51st RL24 Nationals to be sailed at Port of Yamba Yacht Club
Port of Yamba Yacht Club will proudly host the RL24 National Championships 8th– 12th January 2024 this will be the 51st time the championships have been contested. Even though the Clarence River has long been a playground for a number of RL24’s this will be the first time for the class Nationals in Yamba.
Last year 30 boats, the largest fleet yet, celebrated 50 years of RL24 history with a fitting memorial for Rob Legg himself at Hollywell on the Gold Coast. The association thought it fitting for the next Nationals to be just down the road at Yamba an easy trip for Qld & NSW families. The class has always attracted skilled skippers and crews who are quick to pass on tips and tuning hints, making the Nationals a great opportunity for family and friends to have a crack at competitive sailing.
It all started on the Gold Coast over 51 years ago, Rob Legg designed and build the first RL24 from timber, her name was “Tiki II”. “Tiki II” sailed very well and following a few tweaks Rob was keen to go into production.
After striking up a deal with Bruce Harris from “Shark Cat” production of fibreglass RL24s was ready to begin.
The first fibreglass RL24 was launched in July 1973 and displayed at the Brisbane Boat show, after spending a weekend at the show Rob came home with five orders, and many requests for demonstration sails.
Rob and his wife June raced wherever and whenever they could to showcase their new design, besides local events they raced successfully in Brisbane’s Lord Mayors Cup, and won the “Bribie Island Cup” by half an hour.
By 1974 there were fifty RL24s sailing around Australia and the association had been formed.
The first National Championships were held in August 1974 at Holywell Sailing Squadron, with boats coming from three states, and as far afield as Whyalla and Port Pirie. The series was won by “Scarlet Lady” (Des Stanaway) of Brisbane, his boat was still being finished off during the series.
For more information please visit Website Rob Legg Yachts or follow us on Facebook RL24
Main photo: RL24 Nationals, Gold Coast, QLD. Photo: Julesmagic.com
