The RS200 on the Isle of Man
The RS200 fleet on the Isle of Man is growing all the time and is proving to be the most popular two man racing dinghy on the island. MSR chats to RS200 sailors and current island dinghy champions Russell and June Collister about their experiences of the boat.
The RS200 is the most popular two man dinghy on the island at the moment, what was it about the boat that first attracted you to it?
“We used to sail the larger RS400 but found that we didn’t have the weight to be competitive upwind in a blow. The RS200 was the natural boat for us to switch into as we wanted to stay with a one design asymmetric/hiking class and race in big fleets in the UK”
How do you find the boat handles in different weather conditions?
“The 200 is a well balanced boat for its size. Like most other classes, it needs to be sailed bolt upright both upwind and down. Downwind, the key is to know when to sail lower (soak) and when to power up on to the plane. The difference between getting this right or not can be spectacular in terms of places gained or lost on the course. In a breeze, the boat is harder to gybe than say a 400 because it tends to slows down quite quickly which loads up the rig at just the wrong time so timing and practice is essential”
Any essential rigging tweaks that you think need to be made to the boat before you feel it is more competitive, especially for someone new to the class?
“We have found that there is little difference in speed between the boats in the fleet. The static set up is straightforward and we don’t adjust our rig much in terms of spreader length etc once we are happy with the basics. What you do on the water is far more important than off the water. The kicker is probably the most important control after the mainsheet and in moderate to heavier winds we will be constantly adjusting this in the gusts. We also ease the jib upwind in a breeze to keep the slot open and prevent the boat from stalling – it has a very stubby centreboard – and slipping sideways. Hiking hard is vital – a good pair of hiking shorts is essential for those long upwind legs…”
Would you recommend the RS200 to anyone on the island looking for a new challenge or change of boat?
“The 200 is a great boat to own, easy to maintain and straightforward to sail. The one design nature means that it’s rarely the boat that’s off the pace – it’s you! There is strength in depth in the fleet both in the UK and increasingly on the IoM and racing is tremendously tight. We miss the power of our old 400, especially downwind, but the racing is tighter and mentally so much tougher in the 200 which is what we enjoy.”
What’s your top tip for anyone looking to improve in there 200?
“Sail as much as possible against other 200s, especially in the UK.”
If their was one thing you could change or improve in the boat design what would it be?
“A bigger kite and a carbon mast!”
If you were to move away from the RS200, what boat takes your fancy!?
“Well we still love the occasional sail out in the 400 – with a carbon rig it would be the perfect boat for us. The RS500 is also a well thought out newer class – like a modern Laser 4000 but without the vices. And the new Melges 20 looks nice as well…..”
Keep an eye on the Manxsailracer Forums for boats for sale and pick yourself up a RS200
