The RS100 Owners Thread

Right, time for a bit of an update.

Down at Hayling we've been clobbered with a new handicap which seems to have been based on all Nick's results from the 1st six months of the year when the wind seemed to be predominantly F2. All RS100s are sailing off 989 which means we have to beat the merlins on the water and now need to really thump the flying fifteens (1025). Unfortunately the majority of the last 3 months has been 15kts+ which means you're left forlornly trying to hang onto the MRs and FFs upwind hoping to stay close enough for the kite leg.

The seemingly endless slog upwind through 15+kts is leading me to question the 10.2 main. I've often wondered whether I'm getting efficient drive out of the sail and as soon as it's over 12-15kts there's at least some of the sail wastefully flapping. Today was another of those horrible wind against tide beats where I was left shaking my head in disbelief as the fifteen trucked off 5deg higher and faster and it was the first time (except possibly halfway through the Sunday at parkstone) that I actually wanted the 8.4. Maybe it's just weary resignation after weeks of endless thrashing but I'm starting to think that the 10.2 is too much. Maybe i've done too much exercise and dropped too far below 95kg? I was talking to Phil Robin afterwards today (who was watching from a rescue boat) and he reckons he'll be digging out his 8.4 despite being 90kg. We seem to have gained another boat in the boat park (no.158) which is set up for an 8.4.

On the subject of kite lifespan. I had worked on the assumption that I'd get another kite for doing events next year and keeping this one as my club sail and it seems like the kite's holding up ok. I'm really impressed with how it's held up to the numerous capsizes and being hauled back in over the side! If you want holes in your kite go buy a 700, those things eat kites like there's no tomorrow!

Hi All,

Interesting discussion about the sail sizes. Having used my 8.4 for the first time last weekend in pretty marginal 10 to 15 knot conditions have to say there was no noticeable speed difference compared to the 10.2 - finished with about the same time margins as usual.

The one noticeable thing to me was that the 8.4 feels more nimble and is definately easier for gybing. Having swapped the rig over I'm going to give the 8.4 a bit more of a test for a while - if I was using the 8.4 permanently it would be mighty tempting to shorten the boom !!

As to wear - my kite has had a LOT of use since I got the boat in March and because of the friction issues (all a distant memory now thankfully) it got a lot of stick at times - all i am aware of is a few 'pin prick' size holes that are visible in the black panel. I reckon that is pretty good for what is effectively a full hard seasons use ! My main is however, showing a lot of wear where it rubs on the vang arms and now has worn a hole - needs some beefing up here I reckon. Curved and smoother vang arms would be a nice improvement but only a minor niggle.

The returns could be a total mess if considering the 7.4 versus the 10.2 over the space of a clubs seasons results. Ok not in the league of moth variance but the differences in different conditions could make a very confusing set of results if all rigs are considered together. I must admit living up norf I bought the boat with the intention of mainly club handicap racing and as such choosing the rig that suits my weight the best. If it becomes one boat with free rig selection i would be put off completely. I want to turn up 30 mins before the race hoist the sail and go. And the 100 is a superb boat for that. Easy to launch and easy to sail. It is such an excellent compromise between ease and speed. Please let's not ever go to being able to change rigs in a series. Sounds way too much hassle. As mentioned before we just need to make sure all the relavent club returns identify rig type and hope the py bods pick up on it.
Cheers, Keith

I was looking back and I have probably done around 30 or so club races this year each around 3 to 4 windward leeward laps so the kite has probably been hoisted about 90 times and it beginning to show it's age. Not in Germanic holes but more just crispness but no surprise really. So for big races a new kite will be required me thinks. Along with all the pies!!!!

just think of all the pies you could get for £450!