RS200

Im probably not looking hard enough but i dont seem to be able to find any information on the RS200. Some people seem to have problems with keeping it flat. There was one at the club which capsized during a race and it was about force 4ish and the lady helming is very experienced. Is this because people aren't depowering it enough or are they too light, id say her and her crew would be about 110kgs. Im looking to buy one and me and my crew are about 120kgish. Would that be enough weight it the force 4 - 5s? They certainly dont seem slow as they usually beat the fast boats even in the handicap!

Hope you can help!

If you get in touch with the Owners Club.

http://www.rs-association.com/index.asp?fleet=RS200 

or join the mailing list/forum (linked on the same page) and I'm sure they'll answer all of your questions.  They're a very sociable crowd.

Ian

Would anyone say the PY is right, the one at the club is always near the front of the fleet racing against laser 4000s etc. They seem a lot faster than the 420s and ents etc but is that just my imagination or are they really that much faster? Also beats the vago on a regular basis. It also looks like it flies downwind in F4ish. How easily are they de-powered? And does it make a lot of difference?

Are there any alternatives of a similar speed which have a lowish crew weight?

Thanks again

The 400 is less "frisky" than the 200. It is probably an easier boat to sail, but the sails are bigger and therefore the sheet loads are heavier.

Weight in a 400 is somewhere between 21 and 30 stone - the top guys are 23 to 24 stone, but the boat carries weight very well, so the range of weight is better than in a 200 - and being a keel stepped mast with a ram it is more controllable than than the 200's deck stepped mast.

The 400 being less frisky gives you about a second longer to control it in a gust with the kite up - but only a second! If you delay the bear away when the gust hits then both can send you swimming.

Inland in very light (<7 mph) the 400 is much better than a 200, and in > 25mph the 400 allows a slightly longer response time. In between (most sailing conditions?) there is little to choose between them for nippyness - both tack quick, accelerate quick and have the fun of the asymetric. Less than 21 stone: go for the 200. More than 24 stone: go for the 400. In between: that would depend what else is sailed at your club.