RS Aero: Crunching the numbers

by NZ SailCraft 3 Dec 2021 00:51 GMT

The RS boats offer good bang for buck - you'll certainly never be bored and the equipment is built to last even if stored outside © RS Boats

Can choosing a modern dinghy like an RS Feva or Aero save you money? Here’s a theory you can put to the test ahead of a container full of new RS boats arriving in New Zealand in December.

Whether for personal use or for a club, purchasing a brand-new boat like an RS Aero, RS Feva or RS Quest can seem like a significant investment. But there are some long-term benefits to selecting one of the world’s fastest growing dinghy classes and over the lifetime of the boat, the gap between an RS Sailing boat and a traditional class closes significantly.

The one design and performance is just one benefit of the RS Aero - but it is also easy to maintain and look after. - photo © RS Boats

Here is our thinking on the matter:

The RS Aero and Quest uses durable Dacron sails. Not only is this a great match with the carbon rig on the Aero, Dacron lasts longer and is cheaper to replace than sails made from exotics such as Mylar. This can make a big difference over a few seasons.
If you are committed to one design, in the end you’ll save because you are racing on an even playing field. There will be no option - or temptation - to upgrade and up- spec.
A proven deck layout – no experimentation you’ll be hard pushed to improve theergonomics which means no need to invest in new deck gear or other systems
Maintenance. What maintenance? Quests and Feva’s are built from rotomoulded polyethylene and Aeros are made from a combo of lightweight carbon and epoxy.
The fit out is simple and while some components will come up for renewal from time to time, hours saved sanding and painting the boat can be spent sailing.
The 1.4m beam of the RS Aero fits on the average roof rack. Therefore there is no need to invest in a road trailer.
The RS Quest is big enough to give you many of the benefits of a berthed boat, but it’s easy to launch and retrieve on a trailer, saving the expense of a mooring and antifouling.
Storage: RS Sailing boats can all be stored outside, under covers. Five are stored at Royal Akarana Yacht Club in Auckland alone and after four years there has only ever been one breakage – a side stay.

Materials are chosen to be light, hard wearing and durable making the RS Aero a good long term investment - photo © RS Boats

“For us the RS Feva has been an excellent stepping stone from the Open BIC into two handed sailing. The similarity of the control systems is making it the idle pathway to the 29er, while being as simple or as complex as you require. It is providing a platform that can be used for training, fun and competitive racing. NZ Sailcraft is and has been a supportive partner with knowledge and encouragement to our sailors,” says Denis Garner from the Bay of Islands.

The RS Quest is designed and built with an eye to low maintenance sailing, making it ideal for club programmes and family baches - photo © RS Boats

While there are some terrific and exciting traditional dinghy classes available in New Zealand, there are many benefits to choosing a modern, one class design that is constructed from modern materials. NZ Sailcraft recommend that you look honestly at all of the costs, including your time, before making a choice.

A new container load of boats arrives in New Zealand shortly. Shipping costs go up every month. Get your order in before they sell out. Visit nzsailcraft.co.nz to arrange a demo and be sailing for summer!