47th RL24 National Championships 2020 - Preview
by Darryn Dyer 25 Oct 2019 15:48 PDT
5-9 January 2020
RL24 fleet © Darryn Dyer
The 47th RL24 National Championships will be held at Illawarra Yacht Club, Warrawong, NSW from 5th to 9th January 2020.
National Championships are about excellence at the top end of the fleet, boat development, crew work but most of all family fun on and off the water. They offer all participants an opportunity to improve through regular competition over 10 races, ask questions about boat set up and adjustments, crew work and tactics. Things learnt at Nationals also aid in safer cruising, so even if you're not a racer come along and extend your skills.
The 47th RL24 Nationals will see the introduction of a new trophy in honour of the Late Rob Legg. Called the "Rob Legg Invitational Series" it will precede the Nationals each year. The association invite all RL24 members to participate in this short series as an introduction for people who would like to sample the fun of class racing but just can't get the time off for a full week of sailing fun. The Invitation Races are 3 short course races (each lasting about 30-40 minutes) that will happen on Sunday 5th January.
Illawarra Yacht Club is an excellent venue for sailing, camping and socialising with all the RL24 competitors and families, the club provides great hospitality and racing. So organise your crew, organise your boat, organise your camping gear but make sure you've locked in your holidays to attend this fun event.
Last year's sail-past for Rob Legg's 90th birthday was magnificent with Rob commenting it was one of the special days in his (adventurous and productive) life. Unfortunately Rob passed suddenly on 12th February 2019 only a month after the celebrations. We will miss Rob but his natural enthusiasm and Leggacy lives on in the classes he created.
The RL24 Owners Association of Australia are thrilled at the enthusiasm around the class at the moment, not only are they boasting the 47th National Championships but they have now re-established state championships in Victoria, NSW and most recently in Qld.
With members now from as far away as Western Australia, there is a steady stream of boats being refurbished around the country, RL24 Facebook page enables people to share their journey while the web page Rob Legg Yachts provides the rich RL history and among other services, solves technical questions.
Things are looking very positive in RL land.
For more Information on the RL24 class and National Championships visit Rob Legg Yachts website or find us on RL24 Facebook.