Happy 25th Birthday to the K6
by John Tabor 3 Oct 14:52 BST
Perfect conditions for the RS K6 nationals at Yarmouth, 2006 © Paul Wyeth /
www.pwpictures.com
It's 25 years since the K6 was launched in (January) 2001
Recently while clearing out my loft I came across a Yachts & Yachting test and review of the boat from back in February 2002. So I thought it would be timely to reflect on it and what Yachts & Yachting thought of it.
Back then RS Racing Sailboats was keen to add a keelboat to its range of boats at much the same time as Paul Young at Rondar Boats was working on a prototype keelboat, designed by Paul Handley. The two companies chose to combine their skills to create the K6.
The basic philosophy for the boat was "light weight equals low loads plus high performance". So the hull and deck were built using light and strong epoxy skins. A foam sandwich between the skins provided all the necessary stiffness.
RS's objective was for top spec, high performance options in kitting out the boat, carbon spars throughout, including a 8.22m carbon mast, self-tacking jib, a 120kg lead keel bulb and Hyde scrim mylar sails.
Back then the PY of the K6 was 905, which placed its performance close to the 505. It's changed a bit over the years, peaking at 919 but is currently back down at 900. Price in 2002? £16,000 including covers, trollies and Tacktick Sailmaster.
What was the opinion back then? Yachts and Yachting invited tester Lester Noble of Ullswater YC who summed it up "Put simply, I think the boat is superb... I don't think you'll find a better balanced boat"
The then Managing Director of RS Racing Sailboats, Martin Wadhams, said in 2002, "There is an old adage with boats that 'what looks right, is right' and the K6 is an undeniably a great looking boat. Credit must go to Paul Young at Rondar Boats for his vision in commissioning and specifying the design and developing the boat through to the latter stages"
A poignant tribute to Paul Young. Paul, who recently passed away, was a great boat builder, a huge supporter of the K6 and an exceptionally kind and generous man. Always freely willing to share his considerable knowledge and help other sailors.
The Class continues to attract a loyal following in the UK, mainland Europe and in the USA. UK open meetings and Championship events are well attended and just recently a K6 won the Oxford SC Club Championship race (congratulations Dan Robins and Martin Gibson K6 159). The fleet continues to be friendly and supportive.
Although the last K6 to be built was back in 2019 and many boats are now around 20 years old, the quality of sailing experience and construction continues to shine through and is reflected in the interest in second hand boats. The moulds are in the safe hands of Weathermark Sailboats; new build boats maybe some way off but are still a possibility.