RS Sailing
Premier Way, Abbey Park
Romsey Hampshire SO51 9DQ
01794 526760
RS Sailing
Premier Way, Abbey Park
Romsey Hampshire SO51 9DQ
01794 526760

How do I find the right boat for me?

January 31, 2022
Double-handed sailing in an RS Zest

Finding the right boat for you goes beyond getting the most epic sailboat on the market. What’s important is that it suits your ability and the type of sailing you’ll want to do. We’ve put together some potential boats that could be what you’re looking for. If you understand the kind of sailing you want to do, whether it’s recreational, racing or adventure cruising – the perfect boat is waiting for you! 

Which single-handed boat is best for racing? 

RS Tera 

If you’re a junior, we recommend the RS Tera.A single-hander packed with features that make sailing safe and easy. It comes up dry from a capsize, it’s quick and simple to rig by youngsters and it’s tough. Two sail sizes mean small beginners and experienced teenagers love the RS Tera equally, so parents do too. 

RS Neo 

For teenagers or adults looking for performance without the hassle, we recommend the RS Neo. A single-hander with sparkling performance, easy handling and real durability, the RS Neo delivers maximum reward for minimum hassle. A step-up in speed without the demands of more complex designs. It has composite spars and an advanced sail design on a stable and easily driven rotomoulded hull combined. The RS Neo is accessible, affordable and exciting! 

RS Aero 

A global favourite for youth sailors and adults craving performance is the RS Aero. It is the most technically advanced boat in its sector and easily handled too. Astonishingly, the RS Aero weighs about the same as an Optimist. It is incredibly user-friendly when transporting, rigging and launching – before you even experience the addictive sensations afloat. Three rig sizes enable every one of all shapes and sizes to have a go! 

Which double-handed boat is best for racing? 

RS Feva 

Juniors and youths are obsessed with the RS Feva. The world’s leading double-handed dinghy for youngsters but also parent and child teams. The RS Feva offers a double-handed alternative and a steppingstone at a crucial time in sailing lives. Exciting performance is the secret behind success, along with modern styling and practical features which make it irresistible. It’s the perfect size for two youths or an adult/child combo – loved by adults and children. It’s the ideal start racing boat. 

2000 

A family racing favourite, the 2000 has many modern performance features, such as a gennaker and a self-draining cockpit; it combines exciting sailing and easy handling that inspires confidence. The 2000 is also well established as a great training boat within many leading organisations, including the British Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force sailing programmes. It’s the perfect transition from training into more advanced techniques and racing – a perfect boat for learning and progression.  

RS200  

Adrenaline packed racing and a full-on social scene. The RS200 is one of the most popular two-person race boats of today. Perfect for moderate weight teams, it’s a winner with mixed crews, young sailors, and family teams. It’s all about exciting sailing and a good time ashore in the RS community. This class attracts rock stars and newbies like almost no other. It was one of RS’s first – and it’s still one of our favourites. 

Which boat is the best for learning? 

RS Zest 

This compact boat delivers more crew space, practical and enjoyable features than older generation rivals. Our RS Zest replaces the RS Quba, which is already a hit with training centres and families. With enough space for two sailors yet small enough for single-handed sailing, this boat will get you on the water and into the wonderful world of sailing hassle-free. Being a rotomoulded polyethylene boat, it is durable and almost maintenance-free too! 

RS Quest 

A modern family boat or training dinghy with features that move the game forward. Big enough for an instructor with 2 or 3 pupils, equally perfect for mum or dad and youngsters. A durable rotomoulded polyethylene construction – space and stability – reefing, spinnaker, stowage and a host of other options. It’s not easy to make it all work, but our development team have nailed it! 

Which boat is best for exploring? 

RS Venture 

The RS Venture can carry up to eight sailors in its self-draining cockpit, the new benchmark in family, exploration, and training dinghies. Sparkling performance makes it great fun and has multiple equipment options to allow the boat to be configured and personalised to your preference. Exceptional stability makes the RS Venture ideal on estuaries and coastal waters – with storage for all the equipment you’ll need, including an outboard motor. Imagine the adventures waiting to happen! Did you know that the RS Venture is available in the S, a standard centreboard, or the SE with a weighted centreboard too? 

Is there a parasailing boat? 

RS Venture Connect SCS 

This award-winning boat comes with a lifting bulb keel, twin rudders and Seated Control System (SCS). It brings a new level of designed-in engineering capability with simple plug and plays options.  

This model can also include the Power Assist Pack – a conversion kit that provides optimal adaptability for most disabilities. It consists of a rechargeable battery and control pack, powered captive mainsheet winch, joystick, and sip-puff headset option. The watertight battery and control box is removable for charging. The system covers the full range of parasailing needs and means that the boat can cater for pretty much all disabilities.  

Which boat is the best for keelboat sailing? 

RS21 

The RS21 responds to the need for a progressive, affordable, and straightforward solution for keelboat clubs that increasingly see the opportunity for fleet ownership, league competition and training. It has forgiving boat handling, low sheet loads, a mixture of sail options and reassuring stability. It has been designed and built in sustainable aspects with space for 2-6 crew and a lifting bulb keel. For example, an optional E-Propulsion motor system is integrated into the hull and deck design, ideal for getting to racing start lines or if you fancy a break from sailing. The RS21 fleet is snowballing, with the Worlds coming up in 2022 now is the best time to join the RS21 International Class! 

 

If you’re still unsure which boat is the right one for you, please get in touch to speak to one of our team members, who are more than happy to have a chat! Click here to get in touch! 

 

Share this!

 

SUBSCRIBE

  • Sign up for RS stories, offers, epic wipeout videos and much more!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

RS Sailing at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2026

The whole team at RS Sailing can't wait to welcome you onto our stand at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, 21st - 22nd February 2026 at Farnborough International. Boats On The Stand We've got a...

Want to Try Out an RS21? Join the Demo Day in the Netherlands

Live in the Netherlands, curious about the RS21 and keen to experience the buzz for yourself? Here's your chance. RS Sailing Netherlands dealer Aquavitesse is hosting an RS21 Demo Day on Sunday 22nd...

Valentines Special: RS Sailing Boats… And If We Would Date Them

Valentine's Day has us feeling a little unhinged - and looking at boats the way we probably shouldn't. So, in the spirit of love, poor decisions, and sailing-induced personality projection, we asked...

Celebrating 30+ Years of the RS200: Win Tickets to the RYA Dinghy Show

2026 marks 30+ years since the official launch of one of the UK's most loved dinghy classes – the RS200. To celebrate this anniversary, we are proud to showcase a piece of RS200 history at the RYA...

RS Feva Euro Cup 2026: Sail, Travel, Repeat

Is there anything better than mixing travel with the sport you love? In 2026, the RS Feva Euro Cup delivers the ultimate combination of top-level racing, iconic venues, and the unique buzz of...

Campsites at the RS Games 2026

One of the best things about an RS event isn't just what happens on the water - it's the community experience ashore too. From post-race socials to all pitching in together with tents, campervans...

RS Sailors Named Finalists in the YJA Young Sailor of the Year 2025 Awards

The finalists for the Yachting Journalists' Association (YJA) Young Sailor of the Year 2025 awards have been announced, and RS Sailing is proud to see two of the three shortlisted sailors are...

RS Aero Featured on Official Travemünder Woche 2026 Poster

You may have spotted that the RS Aero has been selected as the centrepiece of the official Travemünder Woche 2026 poster, a fantastic recognition for both the RS Aero class and the wider RS Sailing...

Salty Dingo RS Aero Australian Nationals 2026 Set the Standard Ahead of 2027 Worlds

The Salty Dingo RS Aero Australian Championships 2026 delivered everything the RS Aero Class has come to expect from a premier Southern Hemisphere national championships: big fleets, world-class...

RS Games 2026 Entries Open: 100+ Sailors Sign Up in First 48 Hours

The countdown is on! Entries for the RS Games 2026 are officially open and the response from the global RS community has been nothing short of spectacular. Within just 48 hours of entries opening on...

Want to Try Out an RS21? Join the Demo Day in the Netherlands

Live in the Netherlands, curious about the RS21 and keen to experience the buzz for yourself? Here's your chance. RS Sailing Netherlands dealer Aquavitesse is hosting an RS21 Demo Day on Sunday 22nd...

Valentines Special: RS Sailing Boats… And If We Would Date Them

Valentine's Day has us feeling a little unhinged - and looking at boats the way we probably shouldn't. So, in the spirit of love, poor decisions, and sailing-induced personality projection, we asked...

Celebrating 30+ Years of the RS200: Win Tickets to the RYA Dinghy Show

2026 marks 30+ years since the official launch of one of the UK's most loved dinghy classes – the RS200. To celebrate this anniversary, we are proud to showcase a piece of RS200 history at the RYA...

RS Feva Euro Cup 2026: Sail, Travel, Repeat

Is there anything better than mixing travel with the sport you love? In 2026, the RS Feva Euro Cup delivers the ultimate combination of top-level racing, iconic venues, and the unique buzz of...

Campsites at the RS Games 2026

One of the best things about an RS event isn't just what happens on the water - it's the community experience ashore too. From post-race socials to all pitching in together with tents, campervans...

RS Sailors Named Finalists in the YJA Young Sailor of the Year 2025 Awards

The finalists for the Yachting Journalists' Association (YJA) Young Sailor of the Year 2025 awards have been announced, and RS Sailing is proud to see two of the three shortlisted sailors are...

RS Aero Featured on Official Travemünder Woche 2026 Poster

You may have spotted that the RS Aero has been selected as the centrepiece of the official Travemünder Woche 2026 poster, a fantastic recognition for both the RS Aero class and the wider RS Sailing...

Salty Dingo RS Aero Australian Nationals 2026 Set the Standard Ahead of 2027 Worlds

The Salty Dingo RS Aero Australian Championships 2026 delivered everything the RS Aero Class has come to expect from a premier Southern Hemisphere national championships: big fleets, world-class...

RS Games 2026 Entries Open: 100+ Sailors Sign Up in First 48 Hours

The countdown is on! Entries for the RS Games 2026 are officially open and the response from the global RS community has been nothing short of spectacular. Within just 48 hours of entries opening on...

Olympic Coach Jon Emmett Delivers Mindset Masterclass at RS Aero Australian Nationals

World Champion sailor and Olympic coach Jon Emmett officially kicked off the social program at the Salty Dingo RS Aero Australian National Championship 2026, delivering an inspiring Mindset...

Valentines Special: RS Sailing Boats… And If We Would Date Them

Valentine's Day has us feeling a little unhinged - and looking at boats the way we probably shouldn't. So, in the spirit of love, poor decisions, and sailing-induced personality projection, we asked...

Celebrating 30+ Years of the RS200: Win Tickets to the RYA Dinghy Show

2026 marks 30+ years since the official launch of one of the UK's most loved dinghy classes – the RS200. To celebrate this anniversary, we are proud to showcase a piece of RS200 history at the RYA...

RS Feva Euro Cup 2026: Sail, Travel, Repeat

Is there anything better than mixing travel with the sport you love? In 2026, the RS Feva Euro Cup delivers the ultimate combination of top-level racing, iconic venues, and the unique buzz of...

Campsites at the RS Games 2026

One of the best things about an RS event isn't just what happens on the water - it's the community experience ashore too. From post-race socials to all pitching in together with tents, campervans...

RS Sailors Named Finalists in the YJA Young Sailor of the Year 2025 Awards

The finalists for the Yachting Journalists' Association (YJA) Young Sailor of the Year 2025 awards have been announced, and RS Sailing is proud to see two of the three shortlisted sailors are...

RS Aero Featured on Official Travemünder Woche 2026 Poster

You may have spotted that the RS Aero has been selected as the centrepiece of the official Travemünder Woche 2026 poster, a fantastic recognition for both the RS Aero class and the wider RS Sailing...

Salty Dingo RS Aero Australian Nationals 2026 Set the Standard Ahead of 2027 Worlds

The Salty Dingo RS Aero Australian Championships 2026 delivered everything the RS Aero Class has come to expect from a premier Southern Hemisphere national championships: big fleets, world-class...

RS Games 2026 Entries Open: 100+ Sailors Sign Up in First 48 Hours

The countdown is on! Entries for the RS Games 2026 are officially open and the response from the global RS community has been nothing short of spectacular. Within just 48 hours of entries opening on...

Olympic Coach Jon Emmett Delivers Mindset Masterclass at RS Aero Australian Nationals

World Champion sailor and Olympic coach Jon Emmett officially kicked off the social program at the Salty Dingo RS Aero Australian National Championship 2026, delivering an inspiring Mindset...

Record-Breaking Demand for RS Aero Worlds 2027 Charter Boats – 40 Sold Over a Year Ahead!

The Salty Dingo 2027 RS Aero World Championship at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, Australia has generated a huge global interest - more than a year in advance. Due to unprecedented demand, all 40...

Celebrating 30+ Years of the RS200: Win Tickets to the RYA Dinghy Show

2026 marks 30+ years since the official launch of one of the UK's most loved dinghy classes – the RS200. To celebrate this anniversary, we are proud to showcase a piece of RS200 history at the RYA...

RS Feva Euro Cup 2026: Sail, Travel, Repeat

Is there anything better than mixing travel with the sport you love? In 2026, the RS Feva Euro Cup delivers the ultimate combination of top-level racing, iconic venues, and the unique buzz of...

Campsites at the RS Games 2026

One of the best things about an RS event isn't just what happens on the water - it's the community experience ashore too. From post-race socials to all pitching in together with tents, campervans...

RS Sailors Named Finalists in the YJA Young Sailor of the Year 2025 Awards

The finalists for the Yachting Journalists' Association (YJA) Young Sailor of the Year 2025 awards have been announced, and RS Sailing is proud to see two of the three shortlisted sailors are...

RS Aero Featured on Official Travemünder Woche 2026 Poster

You may have spotted that the RS Aero has been selected as the centrepiece of the official Travemünder Woche 2026 poster, a fantastic recognition for both the RS Aero class and the wider RS Sailing...

Salty Dingo RS Aero Australian Nationals 2026 Set the Standard Ahead of 2027 Worlds

The Salty Dingo RS Aero Australian Championships 2026 delivered everything the RS Aero Class has come to expect from a premier Southern Hemisphere national championships: big fleets, world-class...

RS Games 2026 Entries Open: 100+ Sailors Sign Up in First 48 Hours

The countdown is on! Entries for the RS Games 2026 are officially open and the response from the global RS community has been nothing short of spectacular. Within just 48 hours of entries opening on...

Olympic Coach Jon Emmett Delivers Mindset Masterclass at RS Aero Australian Nationals

World Champion sailor and Olympic coach Jon Emmett officially kicked off the social program at the Salty Dingo RS Aero Australian National Championship 2026, delivering an inspiring Mindset...

Record-Breaking Demand for RS Aero Worlds 2027 Charter Boats – 40 Sold Over a Year Ahead!

The Salty Dingo 2027 RS Aero World Championship at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, Australia has generated a huge global interest - more than a year in advance. Due to unprecedented demand, all 40...

Jon Partridge Steps Down After 25 Years of Dedicated Service at RS Sailing

After 25 years of dedicated service, Jon Partridge has made the decision to step down from his role as Managing Director of RS Sailing. Jon's journey with RS Sailing began a quarter of a century...

Pin It on Pinterest