The RS21 World Championship will be held in the UK for the first time, with Weymouth hosting the 2027 edition from 22 to 25 September. The event will take place at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), with organisers expecting the largest and most internationally diverse fleet in the class's history.
More than 50 boats from at least 15 nations are expected to compete as the RS21 class continues its rapid international growth. The championship calendar was first announced in late 2025, giving teams time to plan campaigns, training and travel.
Global Growth – The RS21 class continues its international rise, with more nations and larger fleets driving momentum towards the 2027 World Championship. Photo: RS Sailing
RS21 International Class Manager Liam Willis believes WPNSA is the ideal venue. "WPNSA offers everything needed for a championship of this calibre," he said. "I've been lucky enough to experience two RS Games at this venue, the first of which was a precursor to the London 2012 Olympic Games."
Willis highlighted the venue's reliable sea breeze, varied race areas, modern shore facilities and straightforward launching, along with strong transport links for overseas competitors.
The class expects established fleets from the UK & Ireland, Italy, Poland, Canada, the UAE and the Netherlands to be joined by teams from Lithuania, Spain, Germany and Portugal. Recent growth has also seen new fleets established in Greece and Georgia, while the RS21 has been selected for the Australian Youth Match Racing Championship later this year.
"This continued international growth means every World Championship is stronger than the last, with new teams, new rivalries and fresh talent joining an already fiercely competitive fleet," Willis said.
The reigning world champions are Hong Kong's Les Freaks, who claimed the overall title in 2025. Before Weymouth, attention will focus on the 2026 World Championship in Cannes, where the next world champions will be crowned.
Spray Flying – Crews push the RS21 hard in close one-design racing as the class continues its rapid international growth ahead of the 2027 World Championship in Weymouth. Photo: RS Sailing
Designed as a strict one-design keelboat, the RS21 has built its reputation on close racing, where success depends on teamwork, preparation, and sailing ability rather than on equipment development. To encourage further growth, RS Sailing has announced a series of incentives ahead of the 2027 championship, including discounted charter opportunities, ownership offers, branded sails and rewards for introducing new owners.
With entries expected from across Europe and beyond, the road to Weymouth is already underway.
