RS Sailing takes on flagship keelboat with nod to family-friendly sailing

RS Sailing has taken on the build license, distribution, marketing and sales of the Aira 22 from Aira Boats. Developed by Jos Snijders Blok in 2018 (Aira’s founder), the boat was designed for recreational sailors and gained popularity with sailing schools and rental centres in the Netherlands as a daysailer.

RS Sailing’s commercial director, Michiel Geerling, says RS Sailing’s strategy over the past decade has been to grow its offering for leisure sailors and rental companies. He cites boats like the RS Zest, RS Quest, RS Toura, and RS Venture as helping to address diverse requirements. (In August 2024, RS Aero production was taken in-house after it’s then builder entered administration.)

“As we continue to grow our presence in the leisure sailing market, the RS Aira 22 embodies our commitment to expanding the sport of sailing beyond competitive racing and into the realm of family-friendly adventure,” Geerling says.

“As market interest in daysailing grew, we recognised a need to add a larger vessel to our line-up – a flagship keelboat that merges comfort, performance and accessibility.

“It is a nice balance of sport and leisure, and, of course, we will be adding our own RS stamp on the product.”

Geerling says RS Sailing has been in talks with Snijders Blok for several years, and he’s thrilled to be able to introduce it to a global audience. “The RS Aira 22 is truly the future of accessible and enjoyable sailing. We will ensure that Jos’ legacy lives on while sharing this exceptional product with day sailors worldwide.”

The RS Aira 22 is described as offering a spacious cockpit, higher boom, ample storage space, and comfortable seating options, complete with cushions. The boat features a foldable table and a retractable built-in ePropulsion electric engine. Full details of its wide beam, flat bottom, wide stern, and a square-top mainsail are available on RS Sailing’s website.

“Many customers report, after some time sailing, that the boat performs faster than they initially expected,” says Snijders Blok. “They’ve participated in club races, often outpacing other open keelboats and smaller cabin yachts.”

The versatility of the boat is part of the attraction, believes Geerling. “Its versatility means that one day it is a daysailer and the next day it could be a club racer. . . I can also see it being a big hit with hire centres and sailing schools around the globe. The hull design ensures effortless planing, while the 28m² gennaker elevates the boat into a powerhouse of fun. It strikes the ideal balance between comfort and performance.”

RS Sailing will supply parts and spares for Aira’s existing customers.