History of the Tri-Services Radio Sailing Association

During 2002 at an MYA National Championship, a then naval officer, Lt Cdr Nigel Taylor observed the amount of current and former naval personnel participating in the competition. A suggestion was made afterwards to hold an inaugual Royal Navy Model Yachting Championship, with One Meter class yachts to be used for the event.

The following year the first ever Royal Navy One Meter Class Yachting Championships was held at Gosport Model Yacht Club. The event attracted an entry of 15 competitors and afterwards the general feeling was the competition was a huge success. During the 2 days of racing, 32 heats were completed and not one protest delayed the time spent on the water. Infact there still hasn’t been a single protest at these championships, making this the most enjoyable, friendly event seen on the racing calender.

By the end of 2003 the new Royal Navy Radio Sailing Association (RNRSA) was born. The following year the RNRSA managed to aquire funding for two One Meter Class yachts. The sceme behind this was to introduce competitive sailing to current serving personnel. With these boats, there was no pressure to purchase a yacht just to race, but it was hoped by sailing them, the individual would then be persuaded enough to continue with the sport, and to progress into the RNRSA and finally into the UK Model Yachting Association.

Over the next couple of years the Royal Navy Championships continued to enjoy a healthy entry. Although a Naval championship, interest from other people related to other HM Forces began to grow. In 2006 it was decided to change the format of the event and make it a Tri-Services competition, and continue to allow associated reserve forces to compete also.

This year the RNRSA will remain within the Navy organisation, however the establishment of the new Tri-Services Radio Sailing Association (TSRSA) will head the Forces Championships into the future.

It is hoped that each service will recruit more enthusiasts to the sport, and possibly the (TSRSA) affiliating to the Model Yachting Association (MYA) for 2008, we shall establish a working relationship between each association.

PO(SSM) John Taylor

Back