Design Brief & Intent
The RS700 was designed from the outset to compete in a demanding niche, primarily standing in contrast to the Musto Skiff and its predecessor, the RS600. While the Musto Skiff utilized a more traditional, demanding layout, the RS700 introduced several crucial ergonomics-first design elements to make high-speed handling manageable. The hull features a long bow section with wide, flared topsides that provide massive reserve buoyancy, keeping the bow up and preventing the dreaded "nosediving" when bearing away in a blow. Below the waterline, the hull is flatter and wider than pure narrow-skiff designs, offering a stable semi-displacement transition that makes the boat far more forgiving during maneuvers.
Unlike many one-design dinghies of the era that favored a narrow range of crew weights, the RS700 features an adjustable "performance equalisation" system. This is achieved through sliding, adjustable-width wings (racks) and corrector weights, which allow helms ranging from roughly 70 kg to over 100 kg to race on equal footing. The cockpit itself is clean and open, featuring an open transom that drains instantly and control lines routed logically to preserve traction during high-speed gybes. The interior fit-out is spartan, focusing purely on lightweight composite construction with a durable epoxy and GRP foam sandwich hull.
Sailing Performance & Handling
With an ultra-lightweight sailing weight of only 174 pounds (hull weight is a mere 123 pounds) and a massive sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of 69.81, the RS700 operates with immense horsepower. On the water, this translates into immediate acceleration and a boat that breaks into a plane in single-digit wind speeds. At the helm, the boat behaves dynamically, responding to minor shifts in weight and sail trim.
The rig is highly adjustable to handle a wide range of conditions. The carbon composite mast features a flexible tip designed for dynamic gust response, depowering the head of the mainsail automatically in heavy puffs. Upwind, the boat is sailed entirely from the wire. To balance the massive sail plan, sailors use high rig tension—typically measuring 400 to 450 pounds on the forestay—while adjusting the rake of both the mast and the high-efficiency daggerboard to shift the center of effort and prevent excessive weather helm.
Downwind is where the RS700 truly shines, often achieving speeds exceeding 18 knots. The asymmetric spinnaker is designed with a high aspect ratio and a high clew, which keeps sheet loads low and preserves the helm’s forward visibility. A key engineering feat of the RS700 is its proprietary "one-handed pump" hoist and drop system. The spinnaker halyard and retrieval line are integrated, allowing the helm to raise or drop the sail with a single, continuous pulling motion while staying securely in the cockpit. The silicone-coated spinnaker fabric enters a large, low-friction chute mounted far aft, keeping the weight back and ensuring the sail is recovered dry and clear of the water.
Known Issues & Triage
Despite its high-quality construction, the sheer forces generated by the highly tensioned stayed rig and the dynamic stress of skiff sailing can take a toll on the RS700 over time.
- Buoyancy Tank Leaks & Water Ingress: The most common annoyance for owners of older hulls is water slowly entering the buoyancy tanks. The primary entry points are the mast step bolts, the daggerboard case joints, the wing bar sockets, and around the self-tacking jib track screws. Regular pressure testing and resealing these hardware interfaces with marine-grade polyurethane sealant are standard maintenance tasks.
- Softening of the Foam Sandwich: Like many epoxy foam-sandwich hulls of this era, heavily sailed boats can develop soft spots. This typically occurs in high-stress areas such as the cockpit floor where the helm stands or kneels, and around the daggerboard casing. Soft spots require localized epoxy injection and fiberglass reinforcement to prevent structural failure.
- Rudder Gudgeon Failures: The intense loads exerted on the rudder during high-speed bear-aways can lead to stress cracking or outright failure of the transom rudder gudgeons. Owners must regularly inspect the gudgeons for structural fatigue and loose fasteners.
- Mast Fatigue: Because the rig operates under high forestay tension (up to 560 pounds in extreme racing tuning), the carbon mast is subject to heavy compression. Early-generation masts should be checked for micro-cracks around the shroud hounds and the spreader brackets.
Modernization & Upgrades
Over its production run, RS Sailing has quietly implemented structural updates to address common fleet issues. The most notable milestone came in 2017, when the builder refreshed the original 16-year-old tooling.
- 2017 Laminate Revision: The post-2017 boats feature an updated hull and deck laminate specification. While keeping the class-legal weight and performance profile identical, this redesign addressed structural vulnerabilities and greatly improved water-tightness around the high-stress deck fittings and joints.
- Rigging Conversions: Veteran owners of older hulls frequently replace standard dynamic lines with modern Dyneema core equivalents (such as SK78 or SK99) to minimize control-line stretch. Upgrading to continuous control line systems for the cunningham, vang, and outhaul ensures that adjustments can be made easily from either side of the wing without dropping the mainsheet.
- Pro-Grip Replacement: Over time, the factory foam cockpit grip (Pro-Grip or EVA foam) degrades, loses traction, and holds water. Re-decking the cockpit with modern marine foam grip kits is a popular DIY refit that improves both safety and grip while on the wire.
The Verdict
The RS700 stands as one of the most successful high-performance single-handed skiffs ever designed, striking a rare balance between extreme speed and sensible ergonomics. It is a boat that rewards technical proficiency and active body-weight management, making it an excellent platform for sailors looking to graduate into skiff racing without the constant frustration of a highly unstable hull.
Pros
- Exceptionally fast, with sensational downwind planing performance.
- Brilliant one-handed spinnaker hoist and retrieval system simplifies single-handed handling.
- Adjustable wing system accommodates a very wide, competitive weight range.
- Flared hull topsides and generous bow volume reduce the risk of pitchpoling.
- Strong class association support with competitive one-design racing circuits.
Cons
- Steep learning curve for those transitioning from traditional hiking dinghies.
- High rig tension can lead to structural fatigue on older, pre-2017 hulls.
- Older hulls are prone to water ingress and localized soft spots if not properly maintained.
- Requires high levels of agility and physical fitness to manage in heavy air.
