RS800 gets a make-over - New hull revealed

by Sail-world UK on 29 Jan 2007
An updated version of the RS800 asymmetric, two man trapeze dinghy has been doing the rounds to find out the reaction of the present owners.

Originally presented as a 49er for the ordinary club sailor, the RS800 has reached a crisis point in its life. The owners have presented a number of points of contention to the builders, LDC, and the builders have responded with a revamped hull.

To protect the existing class base, no changes have been made that effect the boats performance, except perhaps from a general handling basis.

The main construction changes refer to the deck layout. Originally it was assumed that some crews would opt for a single trapeze mode and the side decks were constructed with a traditional tank/sidedeck for ease of the non-trapezing helm.

With this option not really being taken up, LDC have redesigned the deck, 49er style, to remove the sidetanks and position the kick-off strakes further out to make it more user friendly for the two trapeze mode. Reshaped outer racks will also improve the foot comfort when trapezing.

Another noticable change is in the bow section with the removal of the tank that the spinaker pole went through. The pole now lies on the new shaped foredeck below the spinnaker chute and exits directly through the bow.

[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]Another feature is the palte shock absorber fitted in the rear end of the plate-box, this is intended to take the initial crunch when the dagger board hits the bottom and save the box from damage.

These changes also allow an improved build time for the hulls.

As well as striving to answer the class association comments, LDC is also looking at the possible future of the class in the Olympic arena. A women’s high performance dinghy Olympic trial is to be held in May and LDC are considering entering the new-look RS800.

The new face lift does give a cleaner look and should make the boat easier to move around on. The RS would be up against the much publised 29erXX - a standard 29er hull with a taller rig and a second trapeze. The RS800 takes the performance up another notch, something the selectors might be looking for in the TV media dominated Olympics.

The RS800 development to production schedule for 2007 :

January - View & Trial Prototype at HISC (20/21) & Datchet (27/28).

February - Discussion (and any implementation) of trial feedback.

March - 30 day vote period. April - Vote result (early april).

May - Production boats available (early May).

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