RS500 ...

The Blaze could be a good bet, and has had a big resurgence (never sailed one though)

Well if you would like to try a Blaze come along to Burghfield SC any Sunday in the next couple of months.  We are getting a loan demo boat for use by 'the possibly interested' during the open Blaze "6-Pack" series.  Anyone can come along and subject to availability try the boat and join in for one race.  Trying is the only way to find out as we, and most on this forum, do enjoy a little bias from time ot time !!  Contact any of the committee via the association website  www.blaze-sailing.org.uk  to arrange.   Its not difficult to sail but provides plenty of challenge for even the most experienced.  Not the fastest possibly but very very far from slow - and a pleasure to sail.  

Mike L.

For the records once more if you look at my sig I run a marketing company that has amongst it's clients Victor Boats who sell the Musto Skiff.

I am not involved with any products that have any competitve position re, RS500.

If you review my posts on this thread I have made no negative statement about the RS500.

I have just questioned the nature of the marketplace and the issue re.gaps.

Rick

Maybe everyone who is negative on the idea of "yet another class" should look at boat sales of the oh so popular l4000/3000 buzz iso and the like. i bet it is not many.

maybe the negative should go for a sail in it, yet maybe look at the boat instead of the only picture and develope their own point of view instead of getting on the "not another boat" band wagon. im sure that rs have a market for there new boat and will do a good job with it. im sure 5000 rs boat owners cant be too wrong.

as for who ever said the v3000 looks like a far better developed boat...it should be it has been around for years....how long has the 500 been around for? (anyone?)

IMHO it's not important that a manufacturer 'supports' a class or not as long as they are willing to let it go when they stop making money or replace it for marketing reasons (Look at the Blaze).

A good boat is a good boat no matter who produces it and if these guys (SMOD manufacturers) didn't have a turnover of boats, new developments wouldn't find there way into production boats that everyone can afford.

I think LDC have made and continue to make cracking boats for average people and I for one hope they continue to do what they are doing which is to support the 'real' development in sailing.