RS21 sustainability boosted by Torqeedo

The RS21 in Portland Harbour © Lynn Billowes

As production of the exciting new RS21 keelboat gets underway it is time to reflect that, with an increasing focus on sustainability within sailing, improving a keelboat's green credentials was at the heart of the RS21 design brief. Partnership with Torqeedo followed naturally.

Convenient auxiliary power courtesy of a retractable Travel 1003 motor makes berthing keelboats easier and gets you home if the wind dies, so in addition to reduced footprint, a smart, integrated system was the goal.

Torqeedo electric drive systems conserve resources and protect the environment during production due to their lightweight construction. In operation, a Torqeedo motor's outstanding efficiency protects the environment better than other drive systems, whilst releasing no toxic fumes and with no risk of pollution from leaking petrol (or soiling of the boat).

"Building a truly sustainable product requires reimagining its design from the ground up. The RS21 improves performance and ease of use while reducing impact on our air, water and climate," comments Torqeedo CEO Christoph Ballin.

In practice, the innovative retractable system designed by RS also makes the motor incredibly easy to use. Simply slide the motor down to use it and pull it up when sailing. A bottom plate fits flush to the underside of the hull for full performance. Quiet motoring is another real bonus for both the crew and others in the harbour – with the RS21's Torqeedo system already nicknamed the "invisible gennaker".

Alex Southon, RS Technical MD says "Torqeedo is the perfect answer for us. The company leads the way with electric motor technology and was enthusiastic about working with us to develop a slick, integrated system for the RS21. An awkward necessity has been turned into a pleasurable feature."

The clean and efficient Torqeedo system perfectly compliments other aspects of the RS21's construction system, which incorporates a core made from recycled PET materials – plastic bottles to you and me. Stackability and freight efficiency is another design win.

The RS21 will be available to view on the RS Sailing stand (E045) and available to test sail through 'Try a Boat' at the UK's biggest on-water boat show – the Yacht Market Southampton Boat Show from Sept 14th to 23rd. You can book a reduced price show entry ticket here using code EPTO18LGK2, saving almost 50%.

Full information about the RS21 is at RSsailing.com and the boat is available worldwide through RS Sailing and its dealer network.