RC44 World Championship

The 2023 RC44 World Championship attracted nine teams representing six countries for a range of conditions on August 9-13 in Cowes, UK. Nico Poons, tactician Hamish Pepper, and the crew of Charisma (MON) defended their World Championship title. Unlike the title they won last year in ultra-light conditions in Slovenia, this time, the latter part of the regatta was held in 20 knot winds, more typically ‘Charisma conditions’ which contributed to their win with a race to spare.

With finishes in the top three for eight of 12 races, Charisma was 13 points ahead going into the final race, earning them an early victory shower.

“In this class because of the level, you don’t need to do anything to be at the back,” said Poons of his victory. “The trick is to be as consistent as possible. You win the regatta by reducing the damage of the bad races. This week we didn’t start that strong, especially on the second day. Yesterday (August 12) we had a very strong day and today (final day) was good.”

Hamish Pepper added, “The last five races went really well – all credit to Nico and the team – they make me look good and do everything really well. When I have full faith in Nico steering and the guys trimming and the crew work, it gives me the confidence to put the boat into places that sometimes normal people wouldn’t try.”

In addition to Poons and Pepper, the Charisma crew comprised Chris Hosking, Ross Halcrow, Dimitri Simmons, Ryan Godfrey, Robin Jacobs, Flavia Tomiselli, and Ivan Peute. Their coach is American Morgan Reeser with the local experience for this regatta from David Howlett.

Final Results

Series Information – Event Details – Facebook

2023 44Cup Schedule
March 1-5 – 44Cup Oman, Muscat
June 28 – July 2 – 44Cup Marstrand, Sweden
August 9-13 – 44Cup Cowes, UK
October 18-22 – 44Cup Alcaidesa Marina, Gibraltar Straight
November 22-26 – 44Cup Calero Marinas, Canary Islands

About the RC44 boat
Five-time America’s Cup winner Russell Coutts conceived the design of the light-displacement, high-performance one-design RC44 with naval architect Andrej Justin in 2005.

Created for top level one design racing in international regattas under strictly controlled Class Rules, the concept and design features of the RC44 are aimed at the amateur helmsmen with professional crews. For its thirteenth season in 2019, the RC44 Championship Tour was rebranded the 44Cup. https://www.44cup.org/

Source: 44Cup