RS800

Category: News | 2 Comments | 16th October 2007

Fast just isn't the right word to describe the RS800. Its a BEAST! Ok, I know that this currently doesn't have anything to do with filmmaking, but I will be strapping waterproof video cameras to it very soon! This is our RS800, which I own with Charlie. Its one of the fastest monohulled dinghies around and probably the easiest skiff to get to grips with!

Here are the principle features of the RS800:

Hull

Long and narrow on the waterline, to reduce the drag
Flared topsides give reserve buoyancy for easier handling
Large, carefully positioned kick blocks make the transition from cockpit to trapeze very easy
Cockpit design offers the helmsman a secure steering position from which to initiate manoeuvres
Large spinnaker chute forward of the jib tack for fast hoists and drops with minimum loads
Incredibly light 62kg hull weight. Ready to sail the whole outfit is a staggering 110kg light
High tech construction system uses the tried, tested and immensely strong RS epoxy foam sandwich system

Foils

Daggerboard for low drag efficiency
Lifting rudder for easy launch and recovery
Sophisticated GRP sandwich construction gives strong, light, high performance foils

Rig

Carbon composite mast - very light and the flexible top section delivers excellent gust response
Sealed mast to reduce the tendency for the boat to invert when capsized
Mainsail and jib are built from ultra light, strong and high visibility mylar / kevlar laminate
Only the top two mainsail battens are full length, to create a light and forgiving rig
Self tacking jib ensures easy manoeuvres, especially offwind
Asymmetric spinnaker design with relatively short foot to minimise sheet loads and a high clew to aid visibility

Performance equalised racing

Performance equalisation system generates high adrenaline close racing and a broad competitive weight range
Recently refined performance equalisation system generates high adrenaline close racing and means winners can be large or small

RS800

RS 800 Specification

Designer	Phil Morrison
Length	4.8m	15' 9"
Beam	1.88-2.89m	6'2"-9'6"
Hull weight	62kg	136lb
Sailing weight	110kg	242lb
Sail area main / jib	16.5sq m	172sq ft
Sail area spinnaker	21sq m	225sq ft
Hull construction	Epoxy GRP foam sandwich
Spars	Carbon composite mast. Aluminium alloy boom. Composite bowsprit.
Sails	Mylar / kevlar semi battened mainsail. Fully battened jib. Twin patch radial cut spinnaker.
Foils	Daggerboard and lifting rudder. GRP foam sandwich.