The RS Aero European Championship will be hosted by the National Yacht Club in Dún Laoghaire from 27 to 30 August 2027, bringing an international fleet of single-handed dinghy sailors to Dublin Bay.
RS Sailing and the International RS Aero Class Association confirmed the Dublin Bay venue on Friday, 6 November, promising four days of championship racing for sailors from across Europe and further afield.
The confirmation updates Afloat's January report, which had identified Howth Yacht Club as the intended venue for the 2027 championship.
Rosemary Cadogan, Commodore of the National Yacht Club, said: “The National Yacht Club is looking forward to welcoming the international RS Aero fleet to Dublin Bay for what we hope will be a very memorable experience for all.”
Four Days of Dublin Bay Racing
The National Yacht Club hosted two World Championships in 2026, and organisers point to its race-management experience and Dublin Bay's open-water sailing areas as strengths for the European event.
Event director Noel Butler said: “The organising team is delighted to present the fleet with a unique opportunity to visit Ireland, set sail from historic Dun Laoghaire Harbour and race our favourite boats on the beautiful waters of Dublin Bay!”
Butler is a longstanding local RS Aero competitor, previously finishing on the podium at an Italian RS Aero event.
Sammy Isaacs Johnson, RS Aero International Class Manager, said the class hoped to build on the 195 entries at the 2026 European Championship. “We’re delighted to be bringing the RS Aero European Championship to Ireland and look forward to welcoming sailors from all around the world to Dun Laoghaire,” he said.
Championship Venue: The National Yacht Club in Dún Laoghaire will host the 2027 RS Aero European Championship from 27–30 August, welcoming an international fleet to Dublin Bay. Photo: RS Aero Class Association.
Charter Boats for Overseas Competitors
RS Sailing says charter boats will be available for sailors who prefer not to transport their own dinghies to Ireland. Information on charter bookings, possible ferry discounts, accommodation and the social programme will follow.
Alex Newton-Southon, managing director of RS Sailing, described the event as a highlight of the company's 2027 calendar, which also includes the RS Aero World Championship in Australia in January.
The Notice of Race and entries are expected to open in January 2027. The RS Aero is a lightweight, single-handed dinghy raced at club, national and international level.
