Uncover the fascinating journey behind an explosion of RS Aeros at Gunfleet Sailing Club.
The story begins unassumingly, firmly anchored in the mundanity of a practical need: a toe-strap for a newly purchased second-hand RS Aero. Paul Jackson, a humble sailor, had paid a visit to RS Sailing HQ for this purpose. His day, however, was destined not to be as laid back as a tranquil sea. Welcomed warmly by Richard Frost, the Head of Operations at RS Sailing, Paul was offered an impromptu tour of the building. What began as a minor errand swiftly morphed into a profound discourse on the organic growth of sailing fleets, reminding us all that such expansion isn’t spurred by grand strategising or overbearing persuasion. Instead, it flows naturally as sailors observe, communicate, and make their own choices. Seated comfortably with a steaming cup of coffee, Paul regaled Richard not just with his latest acquisition of an RS Aero, but with something much more significant; a swift and remarkable growth at his local sailing club, Gunfleet Sailing Club. The club had ballooned from a lone RS Aero to an impressive fleet of thirteen within a single sailing season. Interestingly, the sea conditions at Clacton-on-Sea, where Gunfleet Sailing Club is located, are notorious for their variability and merciless nature – making this growth even more commendable. Paul emphasises that the increase isn’t attributable to flashy promotions or exceptional deals, but rather to sailors continuing to observe and being impressed by the performance of the boats. The straightforward charm of gaining firsthand sailing experience with an RS Aero eventually cinched the deal for Paul. A tangible testament to the compelling lure of sailing, his story serves as a resounding endorsement for RS Aeros and their potential to spur the growth of a vibrant sailing culture and community.
- •A Toe-Strap, a Warehouse Tour, and a Fleet That Grew by Itself sail-world.com22-05-2026