RS Quest Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the RS Quest dates back to 2015, when RS Sailing, in partnership with acclaimed designer Jo Richards, embarked on a project to create a dinghy specifically tailored for training and family use. A primary driver for its development was the need to replace the aging fleets used by organizations like the UK Sea Cadets, leading to a design philosophy focused on stability, spaciousness, and exceptional durability. RS Sailing, known as the world's largest manufacturer of small sailboats, leveraged its expertise in producing inspiring boats that "move the game forward" in dinghy design.

True to RS Sailing's established manufacturing ethos, the Quest features a robust hull constructed from rotomoulded polyethylene, a material choice that ensures resilience and longevity, crucial for its role in demanding training environments and active family use. The design prioritizes user-friendliness and reliability, with features like an easy slab reefing system for quick mainsail adjustment and a kick-up rudder system for practical shallow-water operation. While the core design has remained consistent, the Quest offers versatility with options for both asymmetric and symmetric spinnakers, allowing the boat to adapt to various sailing styles and skill levels.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The RS Quest is engineered for stability and ease of handling, making it an ideal platform for learning and progressing in sailing. Its hull design provides exceptional stability on the water, instilling confidence in both new and experienced sailors. The boat is praised for its ability to perform well across a range of wind conditions without becoming challenging to control, keeping sailors engaged and comfortable. This inherent stability, combined with a responsive feel, allows the Quest to be sailed effectively by a single person, while also accommodating multiple crew members for training or family outings. Anecdotal feedback from the sailing community often highlights the Quest as an "absolute must for any training centre," underscoring its reliable and forgiving nature.

Accommodations and Layout

As an open sailing dinghy, the RS Quest is designed for functionality and space within its cockpit, rather than enclosed accommodations. The layout is notably spacious, capable of comfortably accommodating an instructor and two or three students, or a family for recreational sailing. Practical features for its intended use include drain holes located under the bench seats, which facilitate rapid water shedding and keep the cockpit dry. The boat also incorporates strategically placed handles on the hull, designed to aid in easy capsize recovery, reinforcing its suitability for training scenarios. The durable rotomoulded polyethylene construction of the hull and deck not only contributes to the boat's longevity but also to a low-maintenance finish, ideal for high-use environments.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and sailing programs consistently praise the RS Quest for its remarkable versatility, durability, and reliability. It is widely regarded as an optimal choice for youth and adult sailing programs, as well as for families seeking a stable, fun, and adventurous day sailer. The Quest's ability to "grow with the sailor" by allowing for different rig configurations and crew numbers is frequently highlighted as a significant strength. While specific "problems" are rarely cited, the consensus centers on its robust build quality and user-friendly features that align perfectly with its design goals as a leading training and family dinghy.