RS500 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the RS500 dates back to 2007, a testament to RS Sailing's continuous innovation in the small sailboat market. Designed by Phil Morrison, the RS500 was conceived with the goal of creating a boat that inspires performance while remaining straightforward to sail. RS Sailing, having grown from a vision to "move the game forward" in dinghy design, applied its philosophy of cutting-edge design and robust construction to the RS500.

The RS500 was built with every element designed to enhance performance, ensure user-friendliness, and minimize maintenance. Throughout its production, the model has seen variations to cater to different sailing preferences. The RS500 S features a Dacron mainsail (7.5m²) and jib (3m²), while the RS500 XL boasts a larger radial cut Mylar mainsail (9.5m²), a battened Mylar jib (3.6m²), and a Dynalite gennaker (14m²). The XL rig offers a greater amount of power, appealing to those seeking even more speed. Later enhancements, such as the MK2, introduced improvements like updated drainage ducts and a change to black sail material, aiming for a modern aesthetic while retaining its one-design performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The RS500 is characterized by its light, stiff, and easily driven hull, which translates directly into exciting performance on the water. It offers unmatched asymmetric skiff-style performance and is celebrated as a "fast, cool and exciting single trapeze double-hander". Despite its high-performance capabilities, the RS500 is designed to be comparatively easy to sail, offering user-friendly handling that belies its speed potential. While it presents a learning curve, sailors generally find it manageable rather than overly challenging. Its design allows for truly exciting performance without being overly demanding. Practical features, such as a low transom, facilitate easy re-boarding after a capsize, enhancing its suitability for dynamic sailing and training environments.

Accommodations and Layout

As a high-performance dinghy, the RS500 features an open cockpit design rather than enclosed accommodations. The layout is optimized for two sailors, with provisions for a single trapeze, which is central to its high-performance nature. The focus is entirely on sailing functionality and maximizing space for crew movement and efficient boat handling. The low transom design is a notable feature, making it easy to climb back aboard, which is particularly beneficial in a performance dinghy where capsizes can be part of the learning or racing experience.