RS400 class consultation of proposed changes for 2011

RS400 class consultation of proposed changes for 2011

Introduction:

During 2010, discussions, suggestion and general banter, whether online, at boat shows or in the club bar, regarding the RS400 being ready for change seemed to reach new levels: Several leading sailors in the class believe a fresh image would rejuvenate numbers, ensure further growth, and enhance the sailing experience. Of course successful one-design classes do not take change lightly, but let’s look at the facts facing us:

• The RS400 is 17 years old and is unchanged in that time.
• The RS400 sail plan is, naturally, starting to look dated
• The Class still enjoys good turnouts and delivers a good package.
• The RS400 in the context of today’s market still has real potential for continued growth.
• Inevitably Single Manufacturer One-Designs (like the RS400) need to evolve to continue to prosper and to deliver the sailing experience that the modern owner expects. Success stories here include the Laser, 49er, RS800, Blaze, Tasar. There are countless examples of classes which, for whatever reason, have not embraced modernisation and have continued to decline.

Thus, a “group” including the RS400 committee and leading sailors, have asked RS Sailing to work together with the owners, and enter a period of consultation to examine potential changes.

The next stage:

All RS400 owning members of the Association consider the following list of possible changes. All suggested changes (other than construction) would be “retro-fittable” to existing boats, and are not significantly performance enhancing.. Then, following an 8 week period of consultation and development with owners, the Class committee with agreement from RS Sailing should select some, or all of these changes and ask the members to vote on their adoption prior to the end of 2010: The proposed changes for consideration have been carefully selected to refresh the image and sailing experience of the RS400, without outclassing existing boats.

An RS400, manufactured with all suggested changes, will be available to view and sail at Hayling Island SC from Saturday 9^th October for 8 weeks,  (contact [email protected]) Photos of the sail plan and other changes will be on the RS400 section of the UK RS Association website, and will be updated by the “Group” or RS Sailing, as the ideas are tweaked and perfected. This period would also allow full development of the sails (see below) to match the  performance of the current sails.

It is clearly in everyone’s interests to gain clarity over the way forward in a sensible period of time so as to minimise the unsettling (“on hold”) effect on the market for new and used boats, and sailors considering joining the class.

The proposed changes:

1. The hull construction utilise Vinylester resin, rather than polyester: Reason: Increase strength and longevity of the hulls. Reduce water absorption over the life of the boat: No change to hull weight: Gains the relevant advantages of epoxy without the cost. Delivers better value for money for the new owner.

2. Modernise the fore and aft sail plan: Radial cut and square-topped main in a modern laminate: Radial cut jib and increased window area: Replicate existing performance. Reason: Modern look and appeal. And aim to deliver cost reduction on the mainsail. No change to sail area: It will also safeguard against reduced availability of current mainsail material.

3. Introduce an adjustable deck control, for a more dynamically adjustable rig. Lead control back to the thwart: Reason: To optimise performance and use of both existing and new mainsail:  Aid broadening the appeal and competitive weight band: This also addresses once and for all the long standing issue of stress cracking on that area of the deck.

4. Change the bowsprit construction to carbon. Reason: Allows an easier operation, less friction and the resultant proposal for single –line hoist:

5. Single-line hoist and pole outhaul.  Reason: Easier and quicker for crews (meaning they will be keener and want to sail more!). Kite trawling has long been an issue due to the delays in hoist, and also drops will be quicker with no chance of the pole re-cleating. Should improve longevity of the kite.

6. Change boom construction to Carbon. Reason: Looks modern, lighter, nicer to use. Will not corrode and fail as the aluminium ones do.

The boat, which will simply be numbered “2011”, also features 2 other “cosmetic” changes: Firstly the foredeck has clear gel and carbon top layer (similar look to RS100) – no weight reduction, and would be an option on the order form. Secondly the thwart is reinforced allowing a higher cutline both fore and aft to reduce chafe on the straps. This surprised us as it definitely looks “crisper” somehow, and of course will be better for shins of both helm and crews!.

Likely costs:

Marginal increase in the cost of the boat: Sails will at least secure no increase, but should see a decrease on the main. Bowsprit would increase from £175 to approx. £300 retail Inc vat. The deck control should retail for around £80, excluding the additional blocks and cleats. It could be easily installed by the practical owner.  Boom price TBA, but a RS700 boom is £355. RS Sailing have stated there could be an introductory offer for the new mainsail

 Remember there would be no need to change anything - an owner may (and many will) chose to spend nothing as these changes will have a minimal, certainly un-measureable effect on performance. And of course all existing equipment would be “grandfathered” indefinitely.

The way forward:

Hopefully you can get to see the changes in the flesh – or at least look at the photos:  Sailors who have sailed and seen the boat are happy to lead a discussion at the Inlands this coming weekend at Windermere.

The changes seek to modernise and broaden the appeal of the class: This is your choice, you have a say in the future of your class. With increasing interest from around the world, RS Sailing are as passionate as ever about the RS400 and look forward to responding to our requirements and suggestions. It is believed by all those involved so far that these changes will improve the appeal and longevity of the RS400 class. Let us have your thoughts at [email protected] . from Monday 18^th October onwards.

RS400 committee, UKRS Association Executive committee, and RS Sailing:

11^th October 2010.