New Posts New Posts RSS Feed: RS500 ...
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Register Register  Login Login

RS500 ...
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <1 31323334>
Author
  Share Topic Share Topic  Topic Search Topic Search  Topic Options Topic Options
Martin Wadhams View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 25 Nov 05
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 19 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Martin Wadhams Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: RS500 ...
    Posted: 25 Nov 05 at 4:00pm

The markets we have identified for the RS500 are as follows:

 

  • Young racing sailors – post Feva / Mirror but outside elite youth squad group >115kg
  • Adult racing sailors – club and regatta circuit sailors <145kg
  • Young or old – sport / recreational sailing
  • Institutions – sport sailing / performance training

The first group mostly aspire to a trapeze boat. Currently they have the choice of 420 and 29er (4000 / Fireball are too big). The 420 is user friendly but expensive and many youngsters would prefer a modern asymmetric boat. The 29er is modern and asymmetric, but only the most talented youngsters are good enough to handle it  (therefore stifling fleet development at club level) and they also have to be light to be competitive. So there is a significant need here for the 500. We’re very close to many of these sailors right now and we’re hearing it directly from them and their parents.

 

Adult racers - The 500 will suit moderate sized adults as well as the younger sailors, deliberately aimed at transcending the usual age 19 break point. This will be relatively unique. Loss of sailors from the sport at age 19 is known to be a big issue. The 500 will be a boat you can sail at “any” age - that can be used by all the family – that is really easy to handle but loads of fun – that is very reasonably priced. This is another big slot in the market.

 

Ref the last two groups - recreational sailors and institutions – these two don’t affect the class racing debate, so I’ll not delve into them here.

Martin Wadhams
Managing Director
RS Sailing
Back to Top
NeilP View Drop Down
Far too distracted from work
Far too distracted from work
Avatar

Joined: 23 Nov 04
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 271 		Post Options Post Options   Quote NeilP Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Nov 05 at 3:16pm
tgruitt - so it's a 470 then!!
Back to Top
Guest View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 21 May 04
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 0 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Guest Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Nov 05 at 1:10pm

There is a very cropped shot on the "other" site.

Rick
Back to Top
tgruitt View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 02 Dec 04
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2479 		Post Options Post Options   Quote tgruitt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Nov 05 at 12:03pm
Apparantly as stable as a Feva and approaching the performance of a Fireball!
Needs to sail more...
Back to Top
Guest View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 21 May 04
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 0 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Guest Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Nov 05 at 10:42am

I have to agree; I'd love to review the market segmentation analysis that shows the gap in the market.

Perhaps the chaps at RS should read this page.

http://www.marketingteacher.com/Lessons/lesson_ansoff.htm

Rick
Back to Top
NeilP View Drop Down
Far too distracted from work
Far too distracted from work
Avatar

Joined: 23 Nov 04
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 271 		Post Options Post Options   Quote NeilP Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Nov 05 at 10:11am

RS launch another new boat. Who cares? I mean really, who the hell gives a damn? Class racing at clubs is getting more and more difficult to find, handicap racing is seriously flawed (unless you sail a Fireball!! ), so the answer is obviously another new class! So there's a gap in the market for a onedesign single trapeze dinghy? Since when? That market has been saturated since the 60's! The only difference is the asymmetric kite, which in that market has only one advantage - ease of handling. I can't be the only person who thinks that mastering the handling of a symmetrical kite is fun and very rewarding. Think of the satisfaction when you pull off a perfect reach to reach gybe flying down a wave with the kite full all the way through!

Maybe I'm behind the times, but I say again - WHO CARES??
Back to Top
Guest View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 21 May 04
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 0 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Guest Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Nov 05 at 9:38am
Originally posted by Bumble

Originally posted by Guest#260

LDC set to launch new trapezing two man dinghy, the RS500.

Where did you get this info..... I can't seem to find anything on the web.

 ...... can anyone confirm this info  about the RS500 is true.

Details on "another" sailing website which is a subscription site ...

A gap in their range is very different to a gap in the market.

Rick
Back to Top
Bumble View Drop Down
Far too distracted from work
Far too distracted from work
Avatar

Joined: 12 Nov 05
Location: Taiwan
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 302 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Bumble Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Nov 05 at 9:05am
Originally posted by Guest#260

LDC set to launch new trapezing two man dinghy, the RS500.

Where did you get this info..... I can't seem to find anything on the web.

 My mustard, for what its worth, is : I think he is talking about a gap in their range.... the term significant is just being colourful.

From the dinghy racers point of view, there obviously isn't a gap in the classes, but LDC won't care about that. They are following the text book market strategy of 'market saturation'. No doubt lots of corp' Bull S' will be knocking about like 'brand strength' and 'customer loyalty' but when you get down to it...... if they stop making new boats then they can only sell what the've already developed, so the companies growth is bound by the current classes popularity. And the 'new boat development' department/team will have to be scrapped/layed off/given a new direction...... so its only natural this team will be able to 'identify market gaps'.

As the potential customers I urge you all to show resraint in the face of massive marketing campains and sexy surfing through the spray photos. Only vote with your wallets if the new class can offer something tangebly different. Mind you..... Ive been saying this for 20 years and all I see at my club now is mini skiff esk production mouldings robbing technologies from quality established development classes, which then begg the same sailors to support them - ironic or just plain strange.

Sorry for the rant...... can anyone confirm this info  about the RS500 is true.
Back to Top
Hugh View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: 06 May 04
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 44 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Hugh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Nov 05 at 8:24am
I think there is a gap in their lineup.  There is a big jump between 400 and 800; especially is neither helm of crew are familiar with the wire.  I would expect to see something like a 4000, though hopefully more of a proper skiff. 

If they want to steal 4000 sailors then they should allow things like quick adjust strops and trapeze adjusters via splicing which although minor are a pita to adjust.  Having said that the 4000 is hard to beat bang for your buck if you want something with a good circuit, so the 500 had better be good!
Back to Top
Guest View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 21 May 04
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 0 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Guest Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Nov 05 at 10:52pm

Originally posted by fizzicist

Are they actually allowed to call it RS500? That product name is registered by Ford! :p

I would guess there is no problem with calling it an RS500 as it is in a very different product category and there is little chance of "passing off" or customer confusion.

The question is will it find a following with plenty of other good and popular single trapeze boats around ...

Rick
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <1 31323334>

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Bulletin Board Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 9.665y
Copyright ©2001-2010 Web Wiz
Change your personal settings, or read our privacy policy