The Rarotonga Sailing Club (RSC) has had a great start to the year, hitting the ground running with several activities.

Over the weekend, the Cook Islands National Sunburst Championship 2024 was held on March 1st and 2nd.

The competition was tough, showcasing great skills. The consistency of the winners, Edmund and Niva, was impressive as they closed out their victory. Sisters Olivia and Maya Postrzygacz claimed second place, with Chris and Fleur taking third.

RSC is excited to announce that three young sailors from the club - Edmund Postrzygacz, John Hoff, and Duke Burgess - will be competing in the New Zealand Optimist Nationals in a few weeks.

These nationals will be held at the Queen Charlotte Yacht Club in Picton, New Zealand, from March 27 to 31, 2024.

The Cook Islands National Sunburst Championship 2024. From left: John Hoff, Duke Burgess and Lydia Sijp. RSC/24030616

This regatta is an amazing opportunity for these young sailors to test and develop their skills against a fleet of over 100 competitors, RSC said. Not only will the trip be an amazing experience for the team, but their sailing will benefit from the competition, which in turn will push our local sailors further.

Looking ahead, RSC is lining up sailors to attend the RS Feva Nationals in New Zealand from April 13-15, 2024, hosted by Maraetai Sailing Club. The RS Feva is a fun and exciting two-person yacht aimed as an introduction to skiff sailing boats like the 29er/49er classes.

RSC is finalising the details and is pleased to see this event on the calendar, with sailors using the RSC 420s as a training opportunity before the regatta.

For fundraising, the club has formed a committee and is seeking volunteers to help out.

Meanwhile the RSC annual Open Day, held on Saturday, January 27, was a great success. The day was a chance for members to reconnect after the summer break and for new families to try sailing.

Sisters Olivia (left) and Maya Postrzygacz claimed second place in the Cook Islands National Sunburst Championship 2024. Far left is Lydia Sijp. RSC/24030615

Around 50 people enjoyed rides on Lasers and Optimists, swam in the lagoon, and enjoyed the free sausage sizzle - a superb way to kick off the year.

“As a follow up it was great to see the strong levels of interest and registrations for the RSC Learn to Sail programmes. The RSC has started a raft of Learn to Sail, Optimist, and Youth Sailing groups, more of these are being planned as the club is keen to get more sailors out on the lagoon.”

Following the success of the Open Day, the well-attended Fun Day the following week offered a lovely day of sun and a gentle breeze for newcomers.

There was lots of sailing and swimming for all, building on the Open Day’s success and expanding registrations of interest. For more information, contact club captain and Sailing Cook Islands development officer, Jacobo Miquel. rsc.jacobo.coach@gmail.com.

• Melina Etches/RSC