RS Aero Worlds Set Course for Australia, Italy and Scotland

 

The RS Aero class has confirmed the next three hosts for its World Championships, unveiling a long-term calendar that will take the lightweight singlehander fleet to Australia, Italy and Scotland between 2027 and 2029. The announcement gives competitors several years to prepare campaigns and international travel. 

The venues were revealed during Travemünder Woche in Germany, where almost 200 sailors were competing at the RS Aero European and Youth World Championships as part of RS Games 2026.

The 2027 RS Aero World Championship will be hosted by Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron on Port Phillip, Melbourne, from 16-22 January.

In 2028, the fleet heads to the renowned sailing waters of Lake Garda, Italy, where Circolo Vela Arco will stage the championship from 26 August to 1 September.

The 2029 championship will then move to Dalgety Bay Sailing Club on Scotland's Firth of Forth from 25-31 August.

RS Aero Class Manager Sammy Isaacs Johnson said announcing venues well in advance was important for a class with a truly international membership.

"The RS Aero community spans the globe," she said. "Campaigning an RS Aero is as much about the adventure as it is the competition, so we want to give sailors plenty of time to plan."

She added that the class aims to deliver "exceptional racing in outstanding venues" while strengthening the worldwide RS Aero community.

The class believes the three venues offer contrasting but equally attractive sailing. Melbourne brings the open waters of Port Phillip, Lake Garda offers its famous thermal breezes beneath the Italian Alps, while Scotland's Firth of Forth provides racing under the iconic Forth Bridges.

The announcement comes as international classes increasingly award major championships several years ahead to help host clubs, competitors and national associations prepare.

While no decision has been announced beyond 2029, there is industry speculation that an Irish yacht club could bid to host the 2030 RS Aero World Championship. However, no formal bid or host selection has yet been confirmed.