In the often-tempestuous waters of competitive sailing, stable and visionary leadership is as crucial as a well-trimmed wing sail. So it is with considerable reflection that we note the departure of Peter Barton from his post as RS Aero International Class Manager, a role he has masterfully steered for 11 years. His tenure has seen the RS Aero grow from a promising concept to a truly global, dynamic class, attracting sailors from youth academies to seasoned grand prix veterans.

Barton, whose fingerprints are all over the class's remarkable trajectory, has handed the tiller to Sammy Isaacs-Johnson. This transition marks a significant moment for a class that embodies accessibility and high-performance dinghy racing – a critical feeder for the talent pools that eventually populate our America's Cup challengers and Olympic podiums. The RS Aero, with its lightweight hull and responsive rig, has become a staple for those honing their tactical acumen and boat handling, skills as vital in a dinghy as they are when wrestling a 75-foot foiling AC75.

While the RS Aero might not boast the multi-million dollar budgets of an INEOS Britannia or the cutting-edge hydrofoils crafted by Southern Spars for Emirates Team New Zealand, its success is a testament to strong class management. Barton's dedication has ensured robust international regattas and a thriving community, proving that the heart of sailing often beats strongest in its most accessible forms. We wish Sammy Isaacs-Johnson fair winds as he takes on this important mantle, building upon a truly impressive foundation.