September | 2016 | RS:X Class

TALLINN, Sep 26, BNS – The Estonian Olympic windsurfer Ingrid Puusta (EST 215) sailed alone 100 nautical miles (185 km) when crossing the Baltic Sea by using the RS:X Olympic windsurfing equipment.

Ingrid started from Swedish island Farö near Gotland on Sunday morning 0737 UTC+3 and finished 2125 UTC+3 at Türju in Saaremaa, Estonia.

Weak wind extended her crossing time to nearly 14 hours. The Yellow Brick global Iridium satellite tracking system allowed viewers to follow the Baltic Sea crossing via the web link http://yb.tl/bsc-rsx

“The last hours were extremely hard,” Puusta’s coach Jaak Lukk told to Baltic News Service. “Due to overstrain, Ingrid wanted to break off the crossing. However, we managed to keep her motivated and she surpassed the deadlock. We are thrice happy.“

Ingrid Trip 05 To ensure the long journey will be safe, the windsurfer was escorted by a safety boat with coaches Ainar Annus, her personal coach Matthew Rickard and Jaak Lukk from the Noblessner Yacht Club Sailing School, who were also behind that idea.

“Having to stand in one position for a long time and big waves are the main factors which make my trip really hard. I take this cool challenge to help people with disabilities and benefit society,” Puusta commented on the oncoming crossing a few days before the start.

With this act, Ingrid attempted to bring attention to handicapped athletes and raise money, so that disabled sailors would be able to start regular sail trainings for the first time in Estonia.

The Baltic Sea crossing was supported by Rand & Tuulberg Grupp, Alexela, Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Estonian Paralympic Committee, Rae district, YellowBrick Tracking, Sportland, Haljastuskeskus and Telia Eesti.

Baltic News Service /RS:X Class

Like last two years the International RS:X Class Association will provide also on this year the Youth Scholarship for the countries who’s RS:X sailor will participate on the RS:X Youth World Championships (this year in Limassol, Cyprus – from 19 to 26 November 2016) for the first time since 2013.

The RS:X Class Youth Scholarship covers 500 EUR (~50%) of the cost of the charter equipment at the RS:X Youth Worlds with maximum of six sets total and one set per country.

The applications (simple email is enough) shall be sent to the RS:X Class ([email protected]) by 1st October 2016 and will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis. The final decision will be made by the RS:X Class Executive Committee by 10th of October 2016.

2016 RS:X Youth World Championship will be held in Limassol, Cyprus between 19th-26th November 2016.

Notice of Race (amended on 14th September 2016)

Event website: https://rsxclass.com/youthworlds2016/

Fair Winds,

The Executive Committee
International RS:X Class Association

Month: August 2016

The Estonian Olympic Windsurfer Ingrid Puusta Sailed Alone 185 km Across The Baltic Sea With RS:X Board

2016 RS:X Class Youth Scholarship – Available Now!