Yachting Art Magazine

Launched in 2018 by British manufacturer RS Sailing, the RS21 class quickly found its place in the world of competitive sailing. Designed as a modern, accessible and environmentally friendly keelboat, the RS21 combines performance with ease of use. Built with sustainable materials and optimised to limit its carbon footprint, it quickly won over both clubs and competitors. Since the creation of the RS21 International Class Association, the fleet has continued to grow in Europe, North America and, more recently, Asia.

The RS21 World Championship, which was first held in 2021, has now established itself as the flagship event for the discipline. Bringing together crews from several continents each year, it illustrates the ambition of this class: to offer a high level of competition in a friendly and accessible atmosphere.

From 24 to 27 September 2025, the Porto Rotondo Yacht Club in Sardinia hosted the fourth edition of the RS21 World Championship. Forty-nine crews representing 13 nations gathered, bringing more than 200 athletes together on the colourful pontoons of the Sardinian harbour. The atmosphere on the water lived up to expectations: close races, varied weather conditions and a constantly changing leaderboard.

The organisers had put together a four-day programme of races. Two windy days, marked by heavy swells, tested the crews' strength and coordination. The other two days, which were lighter and more unstable, required tactical finesse and anticipation. As Liam Willis, RS21 International Class Manager, sums up: "It was a real test of strategy and endurance. Every metre gained or lost counted. "

The images of the finishes illustrate the density of the field: several boats crossing the line in almost contact, contested mark roundings and a ranking that was never set in stone. Even crews who managed to clinch a race victory could find themselves relegated far behind in the next one. This lack of clear domination is testament to the high level and consistency of the fleet.

After an intense battle, the world title went to HKG 295 ‘Les Freaks’, skippered by Marco Pocci, accompanied by Giacomo Ferrari, Giorgia Bertuzzi and Giovanni Meloni. Their consistency, despite the pressure, allowed them to finish just six points ahead of ITA 239 ‘Arvenis’ (Davide Albertini Petroni). Third place went to ITA 293 ‘Freccia Blu’ skippered by Marco Franchini.

Division champions:

• Corinthian (amateurs): victory went to ITA 161 ‘T-Rex’ skippered by Marco Giannini, who distinguished himself both for his sporting performance and his sense of fun, much to the amusement of the fleet. Behind him, two Polish crews – Ultrastar and Polsporty.pl Sailing – completed the podium, confirming Poland's rise in the RS21 class.
• Women: ITA 230 ‘Magique et Terrible Sailing Team’ led by Malika Bellomi took the win, ahead of ITA 193 ‘Nox 3’ and the Dutch team NED 303 ‘Blues Brothers’.
• U23: Italian youth shone. The title went to ITA 234 ‘Nordes’, followed by ITA 285 ‘Nox Oceani’, already crowned last year, and once again Nox 3, which thus secured two podium places.

While the competition on the water was fierce, the atmosphere ashore reflected Italian hospitality. Each return to the quayside was accompanied by buffets of local specialities: cold meats, cheeses, pastries and regional wines. The social programme contributed to the spirit of conviviality: an opening ceremony under the stars, crew dinners and festive evenings punctuated the event.

This conviviality is at the heart of the RS21 philosophy: to offer a demanding sporting environment while promoting exchanges between sailors from all over the world.

Since its inception, the RS21 class has championed a sustainable approach, and this championship was no exception. In partnership with Right Hub, Up2you and Nox Oceani, several impact reduction measures were implemented: waste management, limiting single-use plastics, carbon offsetting and raising awareness among participants. The event is thus part of a fundamental trend across the entire sailing world: reconciling high-level sport with respect for the environment.

This fourth edition confirms the vitality of the RS21 Class. The choice of Porto Rotondo, already a host in 2023, illustrates Sardinia's ability to host international competitions. Davide Casetti, president of the Italian class, praised the growing dynamism of the world fleet, which is attracting more and more young sailors and new nations.

With loyal sponsors (RS Sailing, CodeZero, SLAM, Azimut, etc.) and a well-established organisation, the RS21 World Championship is becoming a fixture in the international keelboat racing calendar. The next edition, whose location will be announced shortly, is expected to further expand the circle of participants.