Class Association
Dear RS200 Sailors,
Over recent months the RS200 committee has been in dialogue with RS Racing. We have been informed that the current main sail material will no longer be in production and cannot be sourced from other suppliers. In all intent it has become end of life. Based on present forecasts RS racing will not be able to supply main sails post September of this year.
As a fleet we therefore will need to develop a new sail with a modern material and established supply chain. As a committee we feel that the current sail plan is dated and construction methods could be enhanced to improve longevity of the sails. We feel this timing is a fantastic opportunity to consider a more modern sail plan and keep the boat up to date with its other competitors; supporting retention and attraction of sailors to maintain our premiere one design status in the United Kingdom. Currently, the following sail plans are being considered:
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Proposed Development: |
Benefit: |
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Square Top Main Sail |
Necessity required to replace existing sail cloth Provide a modern look to the class with intention of retaining and attracting new sailors |
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Radial Cut Jib |
Will improve longevity of the sail |
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Radial Cut Spinnaker |
Will improve the longevity of the sail
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The intention would be to introduce the sail for the start of the 2015 season based on a successful class association vote by the RS200 members later this year (August). A technical team consisting Gold, Silver and Bronze sailors have kindly agreed to work alongside RS racing and the RS200 committee to develop and pilot the sails under very strict success criteria over the forthcoming months to ensure we get the right sail for the class. We feel by having a balance of performance of sailors we will ensure a sail plan that meets all the needs of the class.
Matt Mee Chris Catt Ian Pickard
Ben Palmer Lucy Preston Paul Lewis
Throughout the development and piloting of the sail we will provide constant feedback to the class and will bring proto type sails to events to allow the fleet to provide feedback and direction.
The committee has identified some key success criteria to ensure that any new sail plan. These will be further developed and published in the forthcoming weeks but provide the governing objectives of the project.
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Success Criteria |
Objective |
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Like for Like performance |
There is no performance difference between the legacy sail plan and the proposed new sail plan ensuring all boats race on equal terms |
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Sail Plan power to weight ratio |
The new sail plan will provide the same power performance as the original ensuring the current weight bracket of crews is retained |
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Quality and longevity of the sails |
The new sail plans will be built to provide further longevity. For example the spinnaker and jib |
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Cost |
The new sail plan will be similar in price. Our ambition is to try and reduce cost. However, if sails can last longer then there is benefit to the sailors |
I have already had some conversations with RS racing with regards to cost. We will establish an introductory offer. As a committee are conscious that we need to ensure a sensible retail cost going forwards and this is very much a critical success factor. As the project matures these discussions will continue and I will be able to provide some indicative costing to allow sailors to budget.
The technical committee has had several meetings with RS over the last month and we have established a really good working relationship. Both parties are committed to ensuring that we get the right result. We expect that the sail plan will develop over a period of time with a potential offering to the class to vote upon in August of this year. Throughout this period of development we will keep you updated on progress and welcome feedback. This is really an exciting time and I feel personally that this move will help ensure our premiere status is maintained. If you have any questions or concerns, then please do not hesitate in contacting me. I welcome any feedback.
Many Thanks
Paul Lewis
RS200 Class Chairman
