New RS Aero
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concept All photos in this booklet are of the v4 RS Aero prototypes. The RS Aero is the result of three years of design and development, testing four different hull variations and numerous rig, foil and layout options. Our philosophy has always been to prioritise ultra-light weight, performance and practicality in order to produce a simple, yet refined and durable boat that will suit any sailor between 35 and 95kg. Astonishingly, the RS Aero hull weighs less than an Optimist at just 30kg. There are three rig options (RS Aero 5, 7 & 9) which will typically suit: • Youths – RS Aero 5 • Women and light men – RS Aero 7 • Men – RS Aero 9 The result is a boat that completely re-sets the standard for pure exhilaration in a simple single-hander. Ultra-light weight means the hull form and rigs need not be extreme, so the RS Aero is remarkably easy to handle. And light weight makes the RS Aero exceptionally user-friendly on shore. Virtually anyone can lift the boat onto a car roof-rack – pulling it up the beach makes you smile – and simplicity means the boat can be rigged in moments. RS Aero specification Designer Hull weight Hull construction Epoxy glass & carbon composite – foam core Sailor weight The RS Aero ignites the excitement of sailing in its least complicated form. It is affordable and, with RS Sailing’s global distribution network, assured of worldwide success. Sail area RS Aero 5 Carbon composite Epoxy composite – foam core

design notes hull We have found through testing that 4m length is sufficient to support the larger helmsman, without being too much of a handful for smaller sailors to launch and recover. An overall beam of 1.4m conveniently fits a normal roof-rack. Chine We have always felt that a chined hull is the correct approach, giving the sailor more reserve stability. The chine peels off the spray when sailing down wind and, at the same time, gives greater dynamic stability. The flatter panels of a chined hull allow construction from normal flat sheets of polyurethane (PU) foam, reducing the weight...

“...a feeling of security when sailing downwind in a blow...” Parallel gunwale As the RS Aero is relatively narrow, we have optimised the width by adopting the modern approach of running the gunwale parallel to the centreline in the aft half of the boat. This has a number of advantages: • Maximum righting moment wherever the helm sits out, irrespective of fore and aft position • When capsized the topside buoyancy is kept to a minimum, i.e. the boat floats lower in the water, allowing easier reach to the daggerboard (particularly important with a very light boat) • In plan view, the abrupt...

“...carry it up the beach single handed...” construction Every aspect of the simple shape has been considered in order to minimise weight and maximise cost-efficient manufacture without compromising looks or performance: • Flatter panels on the chined hull allow construction from normal flat sheets of PU foam, reducing the weight of the core bond • “Chine” angles on the deck add form stiffness without additional weight • Low surface area reduces weight and material costs • Simple shape reduces time in the manufacturing process Epoxy resin is used for its high strength and low water...

“...the boat remains well balanced...” dynamic three rig system From day one we have assumed a requirement for three rigs of differing sail areas to cater for the desired crew weight range: RS Aero 5 – RS Aero 7 – RS Aero 9. three rig system We have developed rigs with sufficient control to totally flatten and twist the head of the sail upwind reducing the heeling moment. This allows a greater sail area to be carried – a big benefit downwind and in lighter conditions. Working closely with a world-leading carbon fibre tube manufacturer (the largest windsurfer mast and fishing rod...

“...a high level of user-friendliness...” sails This is the greatest area of conflict between styling pressures and the performance requirements of the RS Aero. It is not possible to produce a Mylar sail that will cope with the wide range of mast bend of a responsive carbon rig, in different wind strengths and on different points of sailing. This is due to the lack of bias (diagonal) stretch of the fabric. Mylar film is stable in all directions. We have, therefore, chosen a high denier Dacron sail fabric with a low filler content that offers good durability and a high level of...

“...enabling the boat to be rigged in moments...” event programme Early prototypes had single-ended control systems for vang, cunningham and outhaul, cleated near the centreline for simplicity. However, the majority of test sailors wanted cleats on the side decks – we bowed to public demand. Whilst some RS Aeros will be purchased for the sheer enjoyment of sailing, the boat has already attracted many orders from racing sailors. The RS Aero is, for a wide range of sailors, the perfect club racing boat – quick to rig, light to launch, incredibly exhilarating. Fit-out is, nevertheless, simple...

design team Jo Richards Jo has the great advantage of being a top sailor as well as a highly experienced sailboat designer. Jo’s dinghy sailing career includes winning an Olympic medal in a Flying Dutchman that he designed, as well as several National 12 championship wins in his own designs. Jo also has a collection of big-boat classic wins to his name including the Fastnet Race. Not only do his designs include some of the world’s best selling volume production boats, but also a multiple Bol D’Or winning ‘Alinghi’ catamaran for Ernesto Bertarelli. Jo was also part of the design team for the...