Mainsail Centre Sheeting

I also have some experience of both.

I don't want to get into a pointless RS vs FB tacking discussion here - and I wasn't saying that the FB rolls better than the 200. The FB probably wasn't the best example to use but like you Rick, its one I'm familiar with.

I did mean to say that just because a boat looks like it will be a good roll tacker (roundish sections, reasonable rise of floor, decent rocker etc) doesn't necessarily mean that it will be that much better than one that looks like it will be poor (Flat panels low rise of floor etc i.e. FB). There are other factors to consider.

What other factors? Well in my opinion any boat with a fully battened main would lose at least two 'points' in JimCs rating system. The main is acting as a brake on the new tack until it's 'popped' - it doesn't always pop easily, when it pops, any flow is lost, and to make it pop easier, kicker tends to be applied - which is not fast for very light conditions. Put another way, do we think an Ent or Firefly would roll tack as well with a fully battened main?

The RS200 is also prone to scooping water - making the angle of roll more critical than in many classes.  The RS requires precise technique because its awkward to get the tiller extension through the gap between mainsheet and boom. So it sometimes ends up the wrong side of the mainsheet during the roll. To counter this, many people push the tiller hard over - losing speed and over rotating the turn thus losing ground to windward.

None of the above apply to our agreed roll tacking stars - like the Ent.

Enterprise 10 
Firefly 10 
RS200 9
N12 8
RS400 8
Merlin 8
420/470/505    7
Fireball 6
Laser 4k 4 
29ER    4
Modern Cherub 1
49er 1