The RS21 International Class has marked its first appearance at the 200th edition of North Sails Cowes Week, joining more than 600 boats racing at one of sailing's most prestigious regattas.
Eleven teams competed on the Solent, with the opening weekend doubling as Round 4 of the RS21 UK & IE Cup and Round 3 of the RS21 EuroCup before racing continued throughout the week for the overall Cowes Week title.
RS Sailing Managing Director Alex Newton-Southon described the occasion as a significant milestone for the class.
"It is a real honour for the RS21 Class to be part of the 200th Cowes Week Regatta," he said. "To race at such a historic edition of this world-renowned event is incredibly special for our sailors and class. Cowes Week has played a defining role in our sport for two centuries, and we're proud that the RS21 fleet is part of that story."
Solent Sprint: Tom Hewitson's Tiga Tiger (GBR 341) powers upwind during Cowes Week, with the Mini Series winners also featuring prominently throughout the RS21 class's landmark debut at the 200th regatta. Photo: Paul Wyeth
The fleet faced the full challenge of Solent racing, with strong tides, changing conditions and a mix of windward-leeward and longer passage-style courses that kept crews racing for up to four hours.
Olympic gold medallist Lijia Xu was among the competitors, helming an all-female Team Magenta Project crew after chartering an RS21 in preparation for the Szczecin Match Race Poland later this year.
"It is indeed a very unique experience racing in Cowes Week, and being part of the 200-year celebration is even more so," Xu said.
The fleet also attracted international entries, with Hong Kong's Rainbow Chaser travelling from the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club to compete.
After a week of close racing, White Oryx (GBR 333), skippered by Crispin Winser, claimed the overall RS21 Cowes Week title. Rainbow Chaser (HK 235), skippered by Simon Wong and KK Lee, finished second, while Rosa Lewis (GBR 236), skippered by Cressida Robson, completed the podium.
Series Surge: Tiga Tiger (GBR 341), skippered by Tom Hewitson, races under spinnaker on the Solent during the opening weekend, where the crew secured victory in the RS21 UK & IE Cup Mini Series. Photo: Paul Wyeth
In the RS21 UK & IE Cup Mini Series, Tiga Tiger (GBR 341), skippered by Tom Hewitson, took victory ahead of Does your mother sail? (GBR 236), skippered by Geoff Carveth, with White Oryx finishing third.
RS21 International Class Manager Liam Willis said the class had made a strong first impression at the famous regatta.
"The RS21's debut at Cowes Week provided a fitting showcase for the class: close racing, a highly competitive fleet, international participation and the unique backdrop of one of the world's most famous sailing events."
The class is now building towards the 2027 RS21 World Championship, which will be held in the UK for the first time at Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy.
