The RS100 Owners Thread

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.

Looking good Richard.....

yes, i recognize that. I go 5 meters in front of the boat, and give a huge pull up.  

The first open meeting of the RS100 calendar is rapidly approaching. It will take place at Queen Mary SC and will run over the weekend of the 9/10th April.

There are a number of Travel lodge style hotels near. Sam and Myself will probably be staying in one. Would be cool if we could get a number of guys there so we can have a beer and dinner somewhere.