RS300 Information, Review, Specs

Designed by Clive Everest, the RS300 embodies RS Sailing's commitment to creating innovative boats that speak for themselves through their inherent quality and performance. As the world's largest manufacturer of small sailboats, RS Sailing has consistently focused on leveraging cutting-edge design and technology to make high-performance sailing more attainable for a broader audience, a principle clearly reflected in the RS300.

History and Design

The genesis of the RS300 can be traced to 1998, marking its entry into the competitive dinghy scene. Designed by Clive Everest, the boat was conceptualized as the "ultimate hiker," aiming to deliver an advanced and challenging single-handed experience. RS Sailing, known for its dynamic design philosophy, ensured the RS300 was equipped with "masses of innovative design features to improve handling and performance". This aligns with the builder's broader manufacturing ethos during that era, which prioritized innovative, high-performance dinghies while maintaining accessibility and robust construction.

A notable aspect of the RS300's design is its provision for two different sail sizes: Rig A, with 99.57 square feet of sail area, and a larger Rig B, offering 107 square feet. This strategic choice allows for the power-to-weight ratio and handling characteristics to remain consistent for sailors of varying sizes, ensuring equitable racing and broad appeal. The RS300 operates as a strict one-design class, fostering close racing and enhancing resale values within its active community.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The RS300 is consistently described as a "fast, REsponsive and challenging singlehander". Its design effectively takes "dinghy design forward," making it exceptionally fun to sail. Being a hiking dinghy, the boat demands active participation from the sailor, rewarding skillful handling and precise weight distribution. The provision of two distinct sail sizes is a testament to its design philosophy, ensuring that the boat's lively handling characteristics are maintained across a range of sailor weights, providing a balanced and exciting experience in various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

As a high-performance racing dinghy with an overall length of just under 14 feet and a beam of approximately 6.5 feet, the RS300 is primarily focused on sailing performance rather than extensive interior accommodations. The design emphasizes a functional and ergonomic cockpit, optimized for single-handed racing and active hiking. Owners find the boat to be "very simple to rig," reflecting a clean and efficient deck layout that prioritizes ease of use and rapid setup for competitive sailing.

Owner's Perspectives

The RS300 has cultivated a loyal following and a strong sense of community, evidenced by an active RS300 Class Association. Owners frequently discuss their boats on dedicated forums, highlighting the enduring appeal of this "modern racing sailing dinghy". While specific common problems are not widely reported, the robust class association and online discussions suggest a supportive environment for owners to share insights on rigging, tuning, and racing strategies. The boat's reputation for being a "definitive boat" with "cult status" among single-handers underscores its successful blend of innovative design and thrilling performance, making it a highly regarded choice for those seeking a challenging and rewarding sailing experience.