RS400 Demo Boat available for trials and events

RS400 Demo Boat available for the Winter Championships and beyond © RS Class Assciation

Are you thinking of joining the RS400 class? If so, come and find out why this class remains so popular, over 25 years after it was launched, with great turnouts at National and regional events, a 50-boat National Championships, a proactive Class Committee and a super-friendly and welcoming fleet.

The RS Class Association have two demo RS400s, one in England and one in Scotland. Bookings are now being taken for full and half day trials and for more experienced sailors, for class and open events, including the Noble Marine Rooster RS400 National Championships at East Lothian YC.

There is a nominal charge which helps to fund the maintenance, storage and transportation of the boats, but rates are very competitive compared to a traditional charter. Priority is given to sailors new to the class, but we can also sometimes accommodate past RS400 sailors looking to re-join the fleet.

The demo boats have been hugely popular and have led to a number of new sailors joining the class. Antony Parker recently sailed one: "When I heard about the RS400 demo that was going around the clubs, I had just had to enquire at Leigh and Lowton to see what this boat was all about," he said. "After speaking with Dave Exley, who kindly offered his time to go through the boat, myself and a friend took the RS400 out for a sail and I was immediately hooked, I needed to find one and join the fun!

"As it happens when we came off the water Dave was there and I got speaking to him and there happened to be an RS400 for sale at the club. After a couple of days, I was proud to say I am now an RS400 owner looking forward to getting around the buzz area and joining the competitive fleet on the water along with the social events."

Volunteers from the class look after the boats and assist sailors, and our sponsors help maintain the boats. We'd particularly like to thank Andy Powell, David Swift, Paul Reynolds, Dave Exley, Adam Din, John Gay and the full Scottish team, as well as:

• Rooster
• Rope4Boats
• RS Sailing
• Rain and Sun
• GP Sails
• West Country Boat Repairs

The English boat is currently at Leigh & Lowton, where it will be based until mid-June, from there the plan is for it to head south for the Summer, before making the journey, with the Scottish boat, to East Lothian Yacht Club for the Nationals, 8th-12th August.

If you are interested in joining the class, you are invited to contact to book a sail or come and talk to the RS400 Class Association Rep on the RS stand at the RYA dinghy show 26-27th February when you will be able to discuss all things RS400 with our friendly team of experts.