The RS21 is the PSL’s choice of equipment for stadium sailing. Photo courtesy of RS Sailing
The Premiere Sailing League USA will debut its concept for an organized, national fleet racing league during the United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis, MD October 10-14. Modeled after the league in Europe that has taken off globally, the Premiere Sailing League USA (PSL) will supply a fleet of identical RS21 keelboats that will be raced on inshore, short course, stadium-style races at select venues across the country. Show attendees can experience firsthand the new RS21s in multiple exhibition races directly in front of the show for free. Look for the PSL on D Dock.
“The PSL represents the next generation of sailing,” said co-founder and President Benjamin Klatzka. “This is the first step in getting this national sailing league started in America. We expect to have enough boats in position for League events to take place in waterfront cities across the country by 2022. The series schedule will be similar to other major sports leagues in the U.S.A., and will take place over a four-month season to determine the overall series champion.”
Yacht clubs and other sailing organizations can join the League as members to enter teams in multiple regattas and to host official League events, with the advantage of not being required to purchase a fleet of boats. The unique PSL leasing model provides the boats, gear and everything necessary for this style of sailing as the concept maximizes the experience for the sailor while minimizing the cost for clubs and competitors.
Sailing broadcaster and America’s Cup commentator Tucker Thompson, an enthusiastic supporter of the concept, will provide live commentary during the exhibition event in Annapolis, and during broadcast coverage of future League events. “Yacht club membership and sailing participation is in decline,” said Thompson. “People aren’t buying and campaigning keelboats like they used to. The “pay-to-play” model of sailing provides the solution and will generate new yacht club members and activate existing sailors looking for a new, easy and affordable competitive sailing outlet. The boats, sails, and equipment is all provided and equalized. All you need to do is show up. It’s like college sailing for adults!”
PSL has teamed up with robotic buoy manufacturer MarkSetBot, whose remote buoys can be set, retrieved, and held in position by GPS – controlled by a mobile phone app – reducing the need for large volunteer race committees and multiple support boats. “We are thrilled to partner with the PSL to help revolutionize sailboat racing,” said MarkSetBot inventor and founder Kevin Morin. “MarkSetBot’s mission is growing accessibility and ease of sailboat racing, and the PSL model is perfect for doing just that.” For more information, visit premieresailingleague.com or email info@premieresailingleague.com. ■
Jan Harley at Media Pro International contributed to this report.
