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11:00 Tuesday 28 Jul 2015 Sue PellingRS Elites conclude Grand Slam Trophy series at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week

photo : Rick Tomlinson

The RS Elite keelboat class has plenty to celebrate at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week this year including its 10th anniversary writes Sue Pelling. The class has also chosen Cowes Week to incorporate its Southern Area Championship, and the final event in its Grand Slam series.

As a warm-up to the big event at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week however, over 30 boats will contest 2015 national championship at Royal Lymington Yacht Club the week before.

About twenty teams will then head along The Solent to Cowes making it the largest Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week fleet in history. It will also be the most competitive, with several new owners including Olympic medalists and multiple world and national champions keen to challenge for the Southern Area Championship over the first four days. The event will also count towards the annual RS Elite class Grand Slam Trophy series, which concludes at Cowes.

With the likes of Mike McIntyre – Star Olympic gold medalist – and Ossie Stewart – Soling bronze medalist and Dragon world champion crew – among the top sailors already signed up with new boats, defending Cowes Week champion Jono Brown is under a lot of pressure as he prepares for the 2015 regatta.

Martin Wadhams - Chairman, RS Sailing and Lymington RS Elite sailor saidthe RS Elite has really started to attract some high caliber sailors who recognise the class as a modern day classic:

“With fleets building and enthusiasm stronger than ever, the RS Elite Class is in good health after its first ten years. The Elite's progress exceeds many, with close to 100 boats racing and, I have to say, people have always loved sailing the boat. Recent converts include medalists and champions from many classes and, events such as Kiel Week and an Antigua Club Challenge, are being planned, which will really take the class into a new era, which we're pretty excited about."

Back at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, a full social programme is organised with the highlight of the week the Anniversary Class Dinner on Tuesday (11 August) evening when the Southern Area Championship trophies will also be presented.

Racing for the RS Elites is on the usual Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week courses, starting on the Royal Yacht Squadron line. According to the class association, this format is one of the main attractions of the event. Wadhams added:

“Other key events follow a windward/leeward format, but the class feels the alternative offered at Cowes Week adds to the variety and interest of the racing season, with added emphasis of some different tactical skills.”