The ASEAN Cup International Regatta (ACIR) has announced, in partnership with RS Sailing, the selection of the RS21 keelboat as the official vessel for its 2024 series. 

The invitation-only regatta will be a six-part series celebrating sailing in Asia, with a substantial HK$1m winning prize. The ACIR will invite competitors from 10 ASEAN member countries, the East Asia Free Trade Area and the Chinese Special Administrative Regions. It aims to ‘unite the region showcasing cooperative efforts on tourism, sport, culture, economy and trade.’

The RS21, a one-design keelboat introduced in 2018, has been chosen for its performance characteristics, thanks to its official class recognition from World Sailing in 2021 and growing popularity in the sailing community. The ASEAN Cup additionally chose the RS21 due to its smart-stacking design enabling more sustainable transportation between the multiple locations and venues. 

Nick Redding, RS21 international class manager, says: “Sticking to the Corinthian ethos, sailors compete in identical RS21s, levelling the playing field and intensifying the competition. Success on the racecourse is determined by the skill and strategy of the crew rather than the difference in equipment.”

The regatta’s first leg will commence in Melaka, Malaysia, in October. It will then be followed by events in Shenzhen, China, in November and Koh Kong, Cambodia, next March (2025). 

RS Marine Group’s international sales and business development manager, Dan Jaspers, comments: “I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship between our two great organisations. On behalf of the entire RS Sailing team and those involved with the RS21 International Class, we are all excited by this momentous news, and we look forward to a fruitful and long-lasting working partnership as we embark on our joint venture with delivering the ACIR event.”

Jon Partridge, CEO of the RS Marine Group, was present for officially signing the designated partnership between RS Sailing and the ASEAN Cup International Regatta on 20 March. “The RS21 is rapidly gaining in popularity thanks to its emphasis on close, tactical racing,” he says. “This fresh approach engages seasoned sailors with a dynamic racing experience while, at the same time, attracting a new generation to the sport. We are thrilled that the ACIR has chosen to partner with RS Sailing. Despite being further afield geographically, RS Sailing has been chosen for its quality and performance above all else. RS21 fleets are building across the globe, and the partnership with ACIR brings the excitement of the class to a vibrant regional series in Asia.” 

This news comes after RS Sailing recently appointed a new distributor in China.

Stay informed about upcoming boat shows and marine events in the coming months.

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