New RS CAT16 – launch in September
by Martin Wadhams, RS Sailing 30 Aug 2013 06:27 PDT
The new RS CAT16 which will be launched in September © RS Sailing
The RS CAT16 will become the newest addition to the RS range and the first RS catamaran when it is unveiled in September. Easy to handle, exciting and highly durable, the RS CAT16 is aimed at sailing schools, beach clubs and family recreational sailing.
With significant technical developments in key structural aspects of the boat, the RS CAT16 not only looks modern, it also incorporates important practical benefits. The beams are secured without requiring holes that penetrate into the hull, so the boat can be quickly assembled without need for sealant. Bolts securing the beams and shrouds fasten into stainless steel bars located in channels on either side of the hulls, giving exceptionally strong, simple and fast assembly.
The RS Comptec PE3 three layer rotomoulded polyethylene construction gives class leading durability, while latest design developments from successful multihull designer Jo Richards ensure sparkling performance afloat. The new Lift & Lock rudder system gives a positive sailing position, with kick-up facility and full lifted lock for ease of use and damage reduction on the beach.
Options for the RS CAT16 include a basic training version; S spec with main, jib and trapeze and XL spec with main, jib, gennaker and twin trapezes. Buoyant hulls allow the boat to be sailed singlehanded or with a family crew.
Martin Wadhams, MD of RS Sailing says "I think Jo Richards and our development team led by Alex Southon have done a fantastic job with the RS CAT16. Response so far has been all that we could have hoped for, so now we're looking forward to showing the boat to many more potential customers at autumn Boat Shows."
First public appearances for the RS CAT16 will be in Europe at the Southampton Boat Show in September and in North America at the Annapolis Boat Show in October. Production will begin late in 2013 with boats available through the international RS dealer network.
Further details of the RS CAT16 and RS dealer network are at www.RSsailing.com