Please select your home edition
Edition
B&G Zeus SR AUS

New RS500 asymmetric dinghy debuts at Hayling

by G New on 6 Dec 2005
New RS500 at Hayling Island SC, Dec 2005 Mark Woods
The new RS500 was at Hayling Island SC over last weekend but unfortunately suitable wind strength to demonstrate the performance of the 4.42m (14ft-6in) boat was not.

The latest LDC Racing Sailboats product is slated to provide a manageable, single trapeze boat with an asymmetric spinnaker - small enough to cater for youngsters graduating out of boats such as the Feva, but with sufficient power and volume for teams of up to 145kg to race competitively.

LDC will be hoping for better conditions this coming weekend when they have invited Chichester Federation Clubs for a official demo. LDC Racing Sailboats have produced a steady stream of new performance dinghies over the years, turning the company into a major force on the UK dinghy scene.

The new dinghy is very recognisable as one of the RS family and LDC claim to have spotted another gap in the market, one that appears to provide an updated alternative to some existing designs that have been around for a while now.

So, where will the RS500 fit into an already crowded market? LDC’s Nick Peters explained: 'We identified a significant gap for a very manageable yet exciting, single trapeze boat with an asymmetric spinnaker - small enough to cater for youngsters graduating out of boats such as the Feva, but with sufficient power and volume for teams of up to 145kg to race competitively. A boat that will transcend the usual break point in racing dinghies at age 19 because it is designed to appeal to adults as well - for racing or simply for a great blast.'

Managing director Martin Peters explained that the success of the Feva had put them in close touch with the young sailing market and they wanted to capitalise on that enthusiasm when the time came for them to move on. A new boat that provided a genuine alternative to the established 420/470 route is their answer.

The 14ft-6in boat allows the move up to a new design with trapeze and asymmetric spinnaker in the classic RS one-package deal. Slightly smaller than the RS400 and narrower, but with the power of the trapeze and the asymmetric to add the fun factor. Not directly targeting any existing class but providing something just that bit different. Martin thinks the existing traditional spinnaker types will stay with their established class, while the youngster trading up or the uncommitted will be looking for a modern take on the middle sized boat.

The new RS500 will be on the RS stand M1728 at the London Boat Show. Production should be on stream by early summer 2006.

More here: http://www.sail-world.com/indexs.cfm?nid=20215

Manufacturer website: http://www.ldcracingsailboats.co.uk/
sMRT AIS Man Overboard Beacons AUS / NZB&G Zeus SR AUSCyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTER

Related Articles

Mustang Survival sponsor J/70 Corinthian Worlds
Being held at Marblehead, Massachusetts this September The Eastern Yacht Club and Mustang Survival are thrilled to announce a partnership to bring the 2025 J/70 Corinthian World Championship to the waters of Marblehead, Massachusetts.
Posted today at 2:26 pm
Australian Sailors ready to tackle Kiel Week
The third event within the five event Sailing Grand Slam Australia's Olympic class sailors are set to tackle Kiel Week, the third event within the five event Sailing Grand Slam, held in the north of Germany.
Posted today at 8:05 am
Armstrong's new Signal Series is about your safety
Armstrong's new Signal Series is our answer to that reducing the risk in your latest stoke. Foiling is exploding. From once-obscure downwind missions to full car parks at the local reef, it's clear: this isn't a fringe thing anymore.
Posted today at 7:49 am
Zhik and Australian Sailing renew partnership
For a fourth Olympic cycle Zhik and Australian Sailing are proud to celebrate over a decade of partnership, one built on innovation, elite performance and podium success. Since 2013, the collaboration has helped deliver four Olympic gold medals and four silver medals.
Posted on 20 Jun
Finn World Masters in Medemblik overall
'Incredible' Finn World Masters closes after epic week Pieter-Jan Postma, from The Netherlands, has won his second Finn World Masters title as the 2025 Finn World Masters drew to a close in Medemblik on Friday, after having won the title on Thursday with a day to spare.
Posted on 20 Jun
24th Argentario Sailing Week day 2
Ideal wind conditions, breath-taking sea, and nothing but smiles on the docks Peter Isler (SPARTAN), Mark Faulkner (LEONORE), Roberto Lacorte (LULUNIKKA) Ariella Cattai (CRIVIZZA), Inigo Strez (HALLOWE'EN) and Rafael Pereira Aragón (MATRERO) continue to charge ahead in the overall rankings.
Posted on 20 Jun
30% off Vaikobi puffers - this weekend only!
There's never been a better time to zip up and stay warm There's never been a better time to Zip up and stay warm in Vaikobi. Our quality-made Vaikobi Down Vests and Jackets are NOW 30% OFF UNTIL 22 JUNE!
Posted on 20 Jun
Cup Spy: "Burling Rule" unlikely to be changed
The Defender is unlikely to soften the Rules and allow open season on its sailing team. Despite the shift of three times America's Cup winner, Peter Burling it is understood that there is unlikely to be any softening of the Nationality rule to enable Burling to get any closer to the action than a chase-boat in the 38th America's Cup.
Posted on 20 Jun
Top quality fleet ready for Course des Caps
2025 IMOCA Globe Series begins this weekend The Course des Caps-Boulogne sur Mer-Banque Populaire du Nord starts from Boulogne-sur-Mer in the Pas-de-Calais on June 29th and circumnavigates the British Isles via the northern tip of the Shetland Islands.
Posted on 20 Jun
iQFOiL International Games set at Kieler Woche
The first time this cutting-edge Olympic windsurfing class takes a leading role at the festival All eyes will be on Kiel this week as the iQFOiL International Games begin tomorrow, Saturday, June 21, at Kieler Woche, marking the first time this cutting-edge Olympic windsurfing class takes a leading role at the iconic German sailing festival.
Posted on 20 Jun