RS Elite Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the RS Elite dates back to 2004, when it was originally commissioned by the esteemed Hayling Island Sailing Club (UK). The club sought a strict one-design racing keelboat that would offer competitive sailing while being a genuine pleasure to helm. Phil Morrison’s design fulfilled this vision, creating a craft that quickly earned accolades for its performance, handling, and aesthetic appeal.

RS Sailing, the builder, has consistently pushed the boundaries in small sailboat design since its inception, aiming to "move the game forward" and make high-performance sailing more attainable. Their manufacturing ethos, characterized by innovative design and robust construction, was perfectly aligned with the aspirations for the RS Elite. The company's focus on a "one-design ethos" ensured that the RS Elite would provide truly tactical racing, where success on the water is earned through skill rather than equipment advantages. Throughout its production, the RS Elite has maintained its one-design principles, with no significant variations such as MkI or MkII models altering its core characteristics.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The RS Elite is celebrated for its exceptional sailing performance and delightful handling characteristics. Its fine bow and long, narrow hull contribute to its nimbleness and responsive feel on the water. Sailors consistently praise its "finger light steering" and "beautiful handling," noting its balance and predictable behavior. With an easily driven hull shape, the RS Elite provides an engaging sailing experience.

A significant contributor to its stable and stiff performance is its remarkably high ballast-to-displacement ratio, with its 1,378 lbs of ballast in a 2,149 lbs displacement, which allows the boat to stand up well to wind and maintain its momentum. Equipped with a fractional sloop rig, the RS Elite features a self-tacking jib for ease of handling and a symmetrical spinnaker, enabling exciting downwind performance notes]. The carbon spar, aluminum boom, and pole further contribute to its high-performance profile, while the efficient rigging layout is designed to be manageable for a crew of two to four, though typically three for class racing, suiting both men and women 2, 12, notes.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its primary role as a strict one-design racing keelboat, the RS Elite features a highly functional, yet minimalist, interior. Given its emphasis on performance and competitive sailing, the below-deck area is designed primarily for stowage of sails and racing gear, rather than extensive cruising accommodations. Reports mention "under side-deck stowage bags," indicating spaces for organized storage within the compact interior. The focus on a lightweight and efficient design means amenities like a full galley, enclosed head, or dedicated sleeping berths are not typically found. The layout prioritizes cockpit space and easy access to control lines, reflecting its purpose as a high-performance racing machine where the crew operates primarily on deck.