With the massive growth in the RS Aero fleet this season at Blairgowrie (from five owners to nineteen!), combined with some passionate hard work by a dedicated BYS team, it was eagerly anticipated that last weekend’s Musto RS Aero Victorian State Championships, would be a truly memorable regatta. And we were not to be disappointed, as the heavens delivered truly ultimate sailing conditions, with blue skies and favourable 14-17 knots sea breezes on Saturday, and 16-22 knots on Sunday; just perfect breezes for showcasing what the RS Aero can do in a punchy southern water’s sea breeze.

The RS Aero has a great class culture and the fun, excitement and qualities of this exciting new dinghy, combined to produce what was the vision in developing our modern new club house;

‘World Class Sailing facilities, amidst World Class Sailing conditions with World Class Sailing’

The largest fleet in the history of Australian RS Aero State titles turned out in droves on the weekend, fifty-four (54) registered, to a BYS experience 'that clearly exceeded the entrant’s expectations.’  And why might you ask, was this regatta, perhaps somewhat different and more successful than some of the ‘run of the mill’ regattas found around Australia?  Perhaps the answer is in the commitment of our BYS planning team to encourage and nurture ‘grass roots’ sailing at a financially attractive entry fee, with a much bigger picture in mind, yet still coming in under budget; aided by the creative support obtained through industry sponsorship. We were further dedicated to put those, that made the commitment, and travel to visit our beautiful club, ‘as the priority’; and provide so much more than just a few races around some brightly coloured marks!

And we did this with equity and inclusion for all with those great supporting sponsors, great hospitality, fantastic complimentary food, an array of door prizes, exceptional facilities, professional race management, and ‘heavenly’ sailing conditions...

We also offered a pre-States training day on the Friday before the event, where 22 lucky RS Aero sailors were privileged to be coached for the day by two-time RS Aero World Champion Rhett Gowans, OK Dinghy World Champion/ current RS Aero 7 AUS National Champion Glen Collings and talented AUS National Masters ILCA champion, Michael O'Brien. With a bright sunny day and perfect conditions; 14 knots built to 16-18, with the focus being on starting procedures, which developed valuable skills for the weekend that would follow...

Blairgowrie is renowned for its 'Off The Beach' (OTB) sailing, both in our member’s skills and curated luscious green lawns that merge onto the beach and the Gulf of Blairgowrie, formerly known to some as .... Port Phillip Bay!

And it’s our member’s love for dinghy sailing, that is reflected in the new found passion for a light technologically advanced skiff like dinghy, and the associated results that were achieved by Blairgowrie’s talented club sailors on the weekend.

In the RS Aero 5 fleet, it was a home-grown local lad, Will Hailes that blitzed the fleet winning all six races to claim the title of RS Aero 5 Victorian State Champion. Will naturally also took out the first junior prize; and we eagerly look forward to this naturally talented young local, bringing his developing skills and growing maturity to the RS Aero Nationals at BYS in 2026 and the RS Aero Worlds at BYS in 2027. Richie Evans (Black Rock SC) with some great sailing came second and Anna Sullivan (Albury Wodonga Sailing Club) a worthy third.

In the RS Aero 6 fleet, BYS youth sailor, Will James was on fire and was awarded the title of Victorian Youth State Champion (placing 8th in the open division); The overall RS Aero 6 event being won by Australia’s current National and two-time World Champion, Rhett Gowans (Mornington YC). Second was Michael O'Brien (Royal Brighton); but the stand out for the day was Blairgowrie’s Ethan O'Brien, who pushed these renowned world class champions to take a third-place podium. It was Ethan’s first sail in an RS Aero, a past graduate of our Minnow, ILCA, 420 and youth development programs and now a talented J-70 sailor in his own right.

In the RS Aero 7, a large fleet (28) and a significant amount of Australian sailing talent came to battle for the chocolates; namely New South Welshman Gary Ratcliffe, (2024 RS Aero 7 National Champion), Glen Collings (2025 RS Aero National Champion and past OK Dinghy World Champion), Callum Burns (Sabre National Champion 2009), Alan Riley (Three-time Sabre National Champion) and Tim Dorning (Australian Sailing Olympian – Soling Class - 1984)

And at the end of 6 hard fought races the cream would ultimately rise to the top with New South Welshman Gary Ratcliffe (Georges Bay SC), coming first by a mere point, Glen Collings (Mt Martha) second and Callum Burns from BYS, a fantastic well deserved third.

But amidst the above reputations and talents there were also some amazing highlights from some of BYS’s long standing and loyal club sailors. Australian Olympian Tim Dorning in his first outing in an RS Aero came 7th, winning the Grand Masters Title, Paul Rogers was 8th overall Garrath James 9th and Paul Smart 10th

RS Aero 6 first Female was awarded to Megan Ridgeway (Mt Martha YC), and the Masters Title was won by Gary Ratcliffe (Georges River SC).

This fabulous weekend was an exciting insight into the World of the RS Aero racing with significant fleet numbers at Blairgowrie, and with 100 RS Aeros predicted at our club for the Australian Championships in January 2026, and perhaps 150+ for the World RS Aero Championships in 2027 .... it’s great time to get onboard this fantastic sailing journey!

Our thanks go to our generous sponsors, Musto Sailing, RS Sailing (Sailing Raceboats), Rooster Sailing Equipment and Clothing, Sports Phillip Marine, Project Clothing and Aviso Integral Insurance Services.

Finally, a huge thank you from the organising team to everyone at BYS, both paid and volunteers, that made this such a successful and wonderful weekend of sailing; well done to you all...