RS700 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The RS700 was designed in 2000 by Nick Peters and Alex Southon, with production commencing in 2001. RS Sailing, which traces its roots back to 1970 under the name Racing Sailboats and London Dinghy Centre (LDC), was founded on the vision of advancing dinghy design and making high-performance sailing more attainable. The RS700's design philosophy centered on ensuring maximum speed was within reach for most competent sailors, balancing high thrills with the ease of a one-design class. Its long hull and wide waterline contribute to its performance, designed to achieve maximum speed. Over the years, the fundamental build specifications have remained largely consistent, with only minor strengthening adjustments and no major changes to the hull and deck tooling. The boat features a hull and deck constructed from fiberglass reinforced with carbon.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The RS700 is engineered for speed and delivers the kind of "go-fast grins" typically associated with two-person skiffs or high-performance catamarans, despite being a single-handed vessel. Its design prioritizes performance, enabling it to achieve high speeds on the water. The ergonomic cockpit layout is carefully crafted to facilitate solo sail handling, simplifying maneuvers on the racecourse and allowing sailors to focus on optimizing their speed. The boat is characterized by its ability to provide an exhilarating experience for competitive single-handed racing enthusiasts. Its design, which includes an adjustable wing/rack extension, allows for accommodation of sailors of different weights, further enhancing its appeal as a high-performance racing craft.

Accommodations and Layout

As a high-performance racing dinghy, the RS700 does not feature traditional interior accommodations. Instead, its design is entirely focused on maximizing performance and ergonomic efficiency for the single sailor. The deck layout and cockpit are optimized for ease of handling and movement during aggressive sailing maneuvers. Key controls and rigging, such as the kicker and cunningham, are arranged for quick access and adjustment, highlighting its role as a dedicated racing machine. The open design, coupled with its lightweight construction of fiberglass carbon reinforced hull and deck, underscores its purpose as a pure sailing instrument rather than a vessel for cruising or overnight stays.

Owner's Perspectives

While specific long-term owner reviews detailing common issues or maintenance are not readily available, the RS700 is widely regarded in the sailing community for its high-performance capabilities and the exciting sailing experience it offers. Owners drawn to the RS700 are typically seeking a single-handed boat that provides competitive speed and a dynamic ride. The consistent build specification over its production run suggests a stable and well-understood design. Its status as a one-design class also fosters a strong community among owners, centered around racing and performance optimization.