New RS500 asymmetric dinghy debuts at Hayling

by G New on 6 Dec 2005 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/