RS21 UK & Ireland Cup 2025 Round 2 at Royal Lymington Yacht Club
by Liam Willis 17 May 04:45 NZST
9-11 May 2025
RS21 UK & Ireland Cup 2025 Round 2 at Royal Lymington YC © Oli King Photography
Round two of the RS21 UK & Ireland Cup delivered a thrilling weekend of high-level tactical racing, sparkling sailing conditions, and vibrant shoreside camaraderie. With a strong fleet of RS21 teams in attendance, the event showcased the very best of one-design keelboat racing.
Day 1 - Friday: Tactical Light Air Battles
Racing kicked off in 8-10 knots of breeze, with light airs and persistent wind shifts testing sailors' tactical sharpness. A cross-tide current added complexity, punishing teams who ventured too far into either corner of the course. Despite the demanding conditions, the fleet managed two competitive and engaging races throughout the day.
Back ashore, sailors were welcomed with refreshing drinks courtesy of Harken UK, and were able to check out new kit from the ever-supportive SLAM UK team.
Day 2 - Saturday: Champagne Sailing Conditions
Saturday saw conditions ramp up as teams sailed out into the bay with a steady 12 knots building into the high teens. With consistent breeze and manageable shifts, it was a day for boat speed and clean handling—especially downwind, where top teams surged through the fleet. 4 races were completed it what really was champagne sailing conditions.
After racing, competitors regrouped at the Royal Lymington Yacht Club for a well-earned dinner followed by a lively quiz night delivered by James Curtis that saw as much competitive spirit on land as on the water.
Day 3 - Sunday: Shifting Tactics
The final day brought yet another change in conditions. A strong start with breeze in the high teens faded steadily to 6 knots by the second of the two races on the day, demanding rapid tactical readjustments. Success shifted from pure boat speed to strategic thinking and shift-spotting.
New Technology
This round marked the first use of Vakaros RaceSense in the UK&I class—a real-time tracking and race management system that impressed both the race team and sailors with its innovation and reliability.
Results - Top Three Teams
GBR252 - Dark & Stormy | Liam & Keith Willis
GBR333 - White Oryx | Crispin Winser
GBR342 - RS Electric | Al Keck / Alex Newton-Southon
Thank You
A massive thank you to the Royal Lymington YC for putting on a fantastic event and to Roger Wilson and his race team for running flawless racing.
A heartfelt thank you to Harken and SLAM for their continued support, generous prizes, and commitment to the RS21 Class. This support continues to elevate the experience for competitors both on and off the water.
Looking Ahead
With Round 2 wrapped up in style, the UK & Ireland RS21 Cup heads towards its next exciting event, if Round 2 is anything to go by, the competition is only just heating up! Next is to the other end of the Solent to Cowes and the royal Thames YC 250th Anniversary regatta, which will undoubtedly be an event not to miss!