An interview with Trin Ollinger regarding the 2024 RS Aero Women’s US National Championship
by David Schmidt on October 2, 08:00 PDT
October 6-10, 2024
RS Aero World Championship at Hayling Island Day 3 © Oli King Photography
The RS Aero entered the One Design sailing world just over ten years ago, and this quick, lightweight, and contemporary interpretation of the single-handed dinghy quickly attracted attention, partly due to its four distinct rig configurations. This aspect is crucial, as it allows sailors of various sizes, weights, heights, and genders to experience the boat’s exhilarating performance. Add its epoxy construction (translating to a 73-pound hull), an open cockpit, a square-topped mainsail, and hard chines, and the global appeal of this 13-foot dinghy becomes evident.
Though the RS Aero’s hull boasts numerous advantages, the four rig configurations are among the design’s key features. Sailors can select from mainsails featuring 53.82, 64.58, 75.35, or 96.88 square feet of fabric that best suit their capacity to manage balance stability.
Many accomplished male and female sailors have naturally been drawn to the design, and the class wisely backs regattas open to both mixed-gender and women-only events.
The RS Aero’s 2024 North American Championship was successfully conducted from September 6-8 by the Richmond Yacht Club (RYC) in Richmond, California, while the 2024 RS Aero Women’s National Championship will take place on Mobile Bay from October 6-10. The event is hosted by the Fairhope Yacht Club (FYC) in Fairhope, Alabama, organized by the RS Aero North American Class Association and the FYC.
A quick look at the regatta’s participant list reveals entrants from as far away as Seattle, Washington; New York City, New York; Jacksonville Beach, Florida; and Arlington, Texas.
The event welcomes women sailors who are registered members of the RS Aero Class Association, and competition includes all four rig sizes (three or more boats qualify as a class).
I reached out to Trin Ollinger, who is serving as regatta co-chair (and is also participating in the RS Aero 5 class), via email to delve deeper into this prestigious women’s-only dinghy regatta.
Has the RS Aero class maintained a women’s national championship for a long time? If yes, do you know any of its history?
This year’s championship marks the third occasion for this event. In the previous two years, it was hosted in Dallas, Texas, at the Viridian Sailing Center.
Which fleet (RS Aero 5, 6, 7, and 9) has proven to attract the most participants? Furthermore, are there any fleets that appear more competitive than others?
As of now, the RS Aero 5 class is the largest grouping and likely the most competitive. This rig size is well-suited for women, who are typically smaller than average men, although the 6 also has potential, not many have acquired this newest rig size.
Regarding weather, what kind of conditions can sailors expect on Mobile Bay in early October? What would be the best-case and worst-case wind scenarios?
In mid-October, Mobile Bay usually experiences a summer pattern: light breezes until around 2 or 3 PM, followed by a sea breeze as the land heats. As the month closes, a cold front may come through, possibly bringing steadier north winds.
The least favorable scenario could be a calm day with no wind, although that seems improbable!
How significant is local knowledge going to be in this regatta?
A portion of our competitors (approximately seven boats) hails from the Viridian Yacht Club, which races on a small artificial lake. Those ladies may struggle with the Mobile Bay waves; however, beyond that, I don’t anticipate local knowledge providing much advantage… There’s not much current/tide, nor any “regular” shifts!
If you could give one piece of advice to both visiting and local sailors, what would it be?
For visitors: arrive a day early or extend your stay by a day (or two)—Fairhope is an amazing place to explore with plenty to see and do!
For locals: take the time to get to know the visiting competitors. Building camaraderie is the best part of sailing!
Are there any competitors you’re keeping an eye on for the podium? Any dark horses who might surprise once racing starts?
Hmm. I’m not making any predictions! We have a highly competitive class, and I expect shifts in the top standings after each race!
What kind of evening activities do you and your fellow event organizers have planned?
We are hosting a clinic on Friday, followed by a social gathering (with drinks and FYC’s homemade pizzas) on the club’s gazebo.
After racing on Saturday, we’ll have a pasta dinner and a football-watching party at the club.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about this year’s RS Aero Women’s National Championship?
We anticipate a fantastic time! We are truly excited to welcome these competitors!
