2005 RS700 Roundup

RS700 � the Achievable challenge

It�s that time of year when the 2005 season has come to a close for the majority and we can once again reflect back over the year�s events.

During 2005 the Rs700�s have been to some great venues including the likes of Lymimgton, Abersoch, Eastbourne and La Rochelle as well as the heartland of Hayling. Each and every one of them has left its mark in some way, either through fantastic sailing, spectacularly close racing or some wicked socials (ask the Hunstanton fleet about Eastbourne!), and usually a combination of all three!

The 2005 Fat Face circuit has been a very successful year with the number of boats competing leaping from 42 in 2004 to 62, a very healthy increase of 40%. The popularity of the Eurocup continues its four year growth pattern with La Rochelle proving to be our most popular single association event with numbers up by 30% on last year. The only relative disappointment of the year was the slightly reduced turnout at the Nationals, something we are working hard to understand and address for next year.

With the strength of the open circuit and increases in sales of both new and second hand boats, the UK scene is clearly very healthy. We obviously have many new faces in the fleet and I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone who has joined us this season, the competition is really hotting up!

Boats have continued to be shipped abroad to some varied and interesting locations. In fact two boats have just been exported to Sydney. In particular the French fleet have been very active and with plans for a French Nationals in 2006 things are looking positive for the future.

Probably the most significant event of the year didn�t in fact occur on the water. This was the creation of the RS700 Owners Club. This is designed to give the class the focus and attention it deserves whilst still retaining the benefits of the central RS Association who will continue to provide a professional coordination and administrative service. We also have a new website which now allows the Owners Club to manage their own content and will shortly be launching a new �e� newsletter.

The new RS700 committee has quickly identified some priorities and will be working hard to bring additional focus to Coaching and Training and further emphasis on the Club and Mid Fleet sailing, creating a real identity to the class.

We have a lot of new and exciting things planned for 2006
� More extensive training and coaching programs for all levels.
� New Venues for Circuit events.
� Introduction of gold and silver fleets at all events.
� More interactive web site for all information.
� Different Nationals format.
� European championships.
� And much more!

News on all these activities will either be via the new web site or be in our new �e� newsletters. So look out!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors, Fat Face and Gul their support over the year; which as ever has been fantastic and look forward to their continued support for 2006.

On behalf of the Rs700 owners club, I wish every one a happy Christmas and see you all in the New Year.

Alex Newton-Southon
RS700 Class Rep.

p.s. Just a reminder the 2006 season starts at Hayling Island on the 11th/12th Feb for the Gul Winter Championships, so see you there.