The RS100 Owners Thread

Looking good Richard.....

I am happy to say I got the chance to test sail the RS100.

I attended the RYA Thames Valley Conference at Datchet on Sunday, and after a morning looking out to a mill pond thought I'd chosen the wrong afternoon workshop of Asymetric sailing.

After lunch and one of the first rareing to go, Laser guy asked me what I was going to take out, looking at the range of plastic fantastic before us, to which he asked if I had tried a 100, Wow, there it was at the back.

Rich from RS helped me rig the boat and off I went, one of the first to get on the water.

First thing to note from rigging was the ease the main halyard went up, then sorting out the control lines, surely on your own boat it is all set up how you like compared to the test boat (RS100 - 154)

Once launched, got set up in the boat, rudder down and off I went. The hiking position was very comfortable and in the little wind, probably a gentle F1-2 I was off. As the wind was gentle, up went the kite with ease, wow does it add an extra dimension to the downwind reaching. With the increase wind down the bottom of the lake I was able to get out hiking with the kite up.

Kite came down, then it was back up the lake for another run, the upwind I was thinking was going to be dull, but as soon as the kite came down, the boat kept its speed as you moved your weight forward. The controls are all to hand apart from the outhaul which seems like a set and stay adjustment as it can't be changed when out hiking.

A coach came over and told me not to sheet it all the way in, eased the main slightly and that was it, the boat increased speed again.

Back up with the kite (off shore wind by the way from Datchet clubhouse) and off down the lake again. This time being a little more adventuous took its toll, in went the kite and the boat followed suit, over I went to a dry capsize.

Now this I found a little tricky, with the kite up, main cleated there was no way this was going to come up easily. As the kite system runs through the middle of the boat, I was unable to reach to pull the thing down, so splash, in I got to find the boat sat well on its side this time.

Once upright, I found it tricky to grab the towstraps like any other boat, so over the back I went, it worked this time. The boat felt very much like a 700 in this respect. I did do another capsize which turned turtle with the kite up. To my suprise it came up easily to capsize, this time I got into the boat over the side near to the shrouds, much easier.

Off i went again upwind and another kite leg back down. Really enjoyed the boat but would probably struggle in more wind, ie F4-5, this is one reason I got rid of the 700, been able to get out on the water whenever I want to would mean buying another boat to keep me going.

Overall I really did enjoy the 100 and if I sailed constantly inland on a resonable sized lake I'd be looking for one second hand, the boat has an easy kite system, fantastic hiking position which is very comfortable, but for me, I need to either eat more pies or go down the gym.

I'll try and get hold of the video footage shot at the weekend by the coach.

Thanks for the tip guys - I was literally going to renew today with Noble but now getting alternative quote.

On the lightwind set up as Andrew says Mark Rushall's coaching session was invaluable. I previously hated light wind sailing and didnt go well when I first got my boat (way too much fullness) but now rather look forward to it ! We had some really fun sailing/racing at the training weekend in conditions most wouldnt even bother to go out in.

A useful way to stop the leach hooking in very light airs is to pull on the vang, then tension the cunno, then ease the vang again and play the sheet to give the right leach tension - seems to work very nicely. Contrary to all advice I have read about other boats I find the 100 likes some cunno in all conditions - and the sail looks better !

Cheers

Chris

eek just about to insure with renewal from Noble but think I will go and get a quote from the other guys. Half the price is amazing!!!!!

Originally posted by timg Originally posted by Contender443 I have just insured my RS100 with Insurance4dinghies (aka Towergate Mardon) and have been surprised at how much cheaper they were than Nobles & Craftinsure.   It was so mush cheaper that I am suspicous that thye may have got it wrong. Has anyone else experienced this? Or does anyone have any horror stories of this company. PM me if you prefer to keep private. I use them for my boats and they are very good indeed...no horror stories and extremely reasonably priced. Of course prepare yourself for the usual old flannel regarding how great Noble are (which they probably are, but expensive too)....but each to their own and all that.