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

Rig tuning your RS

March 13, 2020
Rig tuning your RS

By Spinlock Ltd

Rig tuning can be a sensitive subject around the dinghy park. With conflicting ideas, methodologies and practices leading to a wealth of invaluable and not so valuable advice at the finger tips of season regulars and those new to a class.

RS fleets are known for their cohesion and willingness to share ideas from top sailors to weekend warriors and those new to the sport. Great discussion and helpful tips can be heard from the dinghy park to the race course and of course the bar. Common questions across all performance levels include:

  • How are you pointing so high?
  • Where do you find such good boat speed?
  • Why do I feel so underpowered or overpowered?
  • Why am I faster upwind than downwind?

One common denominator to all these questions is Rig tension. Understanding how to measure, record and repeat rig tension for similar conditions is therefore critical to ensure boat set up is correct to enable maximum potential sailing performance.

Spinlock is a company very active within the RS fleets with sailors in the 200s and 800s whilst also working with RS Sailing to establish correct rig settings for the new RS21. The Spinlock Rig Sense helps to ensure repeatable rig settings for all types of sailors. For those travelling on the national circuit the Rig Sense gives confidence that rig set up at each event is correct every time. For the club sailor the Rig Sense allows settings to be checked, compared and refined throughout the season.

Understanding what rig tension, you require in the given conditions compared to another boat is something that should always be considered. A heavy crew compared to a light crew at the front of the fleet are likely to have very different rig settings and sailing styles in a range conditions.

As keen newbies to the RS200 fleet competing at the much anticipated 2018 RS Games we arrived armed with the Spinlock Rig Sense gauge ready to learn how to set up the RS200. It quickly became apparent that everyone had slightly different theories in a range of conditions.

Rig tuning your RS

With base settings pre-loaded into the rig sense app we were able to record and monitor rig tension in the varied conditions throughout the week. Keeping a note of what we felt worked or didn’t work during the games. Looking back at the data it makes it easy to identify what worked best to establish a clear base setting for our crew weight. This solid foundation has given me the confidence in my own settings during the upcoming winter season allowing greater focus on developing our sailing without worrying about rig set up. Further refinements can now be made during the winter season as we get to grips with the 200.

Rig tuning your RS

This technique can be applied to any class of boat using the 50+ pre-loaded tuning guides on the Rig Sense app. Once refined and adjusted to individual crew weights you can be sure you will never lose your rig settings again as they are stored on your phone along with pictures and notes. The app also allows data to be shared with others via email.

Rig sense allows repeatable settings using a composite leaf spring to measure deflection instead of a standard metal spring used by other conventional rig tension gauges. The adjustable cable deflector allows a greater range of cable measurements for one device. The composite calibrated leaf spring also reduces any corrosion concerns and is not stored in a tensioned position to ensure the gauge remains consistent.

Measuring in KG helps to fully understand the loads going through the rig and boat. Dinghy’s such as the RS800 have such high loads that is pays to be understanding when tensioning your rig, older boats may suffer from flexing at high loads then brand-new stiffer hulls. After all, if you had a ¼ ton of force going through your boat or 2 male gorillas sat on the foredeck you would like to know about it!

Overall the Spinlock Rig Sense is a very valuable tool for all sailors from top 10 at the nationals to those like myself just getting to grips with a new class. Using the Spinlock Rig Sense to your advantage helps to encourage greater consideration and understanding about rig set up and consequently performance when it really matters.

For more information on Rig Tuning and the Spinlock Rig Sense don’t hesitate to contact RS Sailing or Spinlock. Head to the RS Sailing Store to get one of your own!

SUBSCRIBE

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

Entries Open for the RS Venture Connect World Championship 2024

We are pleased to announce that registration for the 2024 edition of the RS Venture Connect World Championship is now open. The 2024 event will be first Class Worlds to take place in the United...

What’s included with your entry for the RS 30th Anniversary Regatta?

The RS 30th Regatta - What's included with your entry?     - World Class Racing - Banging BBQ  - Entry Gift - Apres...
RS Aero

Life after Toppers? You need to try the RS Aero!

By Lynn Billowes - RS Aero sailor, Topper Coach & ex Topper Female World Champion   Growing up with the Topper Class sets a high precedent for your expectations as you move onto other...

Mozzy Sails – RS800 Boat Tour

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as folding back your top cover at the start of the season and working out what bimbles you’re going to take on to give you that edge on the racecourse. Bimble...

Inspire Inclusion for Women & Girls in Sailing

The theme for this year's International Women's Day is 'inspire inclusion'. So, we thought we would share some of the initiatives created by The World Sailing Trust that you could use at your club...

The EuroCup RS 2024

RS Sailing France are incredibly excited to host the RS Aero, RS700, RS100, and RS200 fleets at Carnac Yacht Club from the 21st to the 24th of June 2024 for a festival of sailing - The EuroCup RS!...

Entries Open for the RS 30th Anniversary Regatta

Entries are open for the much-anticipated 30th Anniversary Regatta at Hayling Island Sailing Club, 17th - 19th May 2024. The 30th Anniversary Regatta celebrates friends, family and sailboat racing....

Entries Open for the RS21 World Championship 2024

A revolution in keelboat sailing, the highest-level competition, and the innovative Friends & Family Pass. The RS21 International Class Association proudly announces the official opening of the...

Entry is now open for the RS Aero World Championship 2024

By the RS Aero Class Association   RS Aero World Championship Hayling Island Sailing Club 26th-30th August 2024 Supported by Rooster, Selden, Harken, Noble...

BBC One’s The Apprentice Candidates treated to Luxury Sailing Experience on RS21s

Lord Sugar treated the winning team of BBC One's The Apprentice (Series 18, Episode 4) to a race on RS21s at Queen Mary Sailing Club. The episode (which featured on BBC One, 22nd March 2024 at 9pm)...

What’s included with your entry for the RS 30th Anniversary Regatta?

The RS 30th Regatta - What's included with your entry?     - World Class Racing - Banging BBQ  - Entry Gift - Apres...
RS Aero

Life after Toppers? You need to try the RS Aero!

By Lynn Billowes - RS Aero sailor, Topper Coach & ex Topper Female World Champion   Growing up with the Topper Class sets a high precedent for your expectations as you move onto other...

Mozzy Sails – RS800 Boat Tour

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as folding back your top cover at the start of the season and working out what bimbles you’re going to take on to give you that edge on the racecourse. Bimble...

Inspire Inclusion for Women & Girls in Sailing

The theme for this year's International Women's Day is 'inspire inclusion'. So, we thought we would share some of the initiatives created by The World Sailing Trust that you could use at your club...

The EuroCup RS 2024

RS Sailing France are incredibly excited to host the RS Aero, RS700, RS100, and RS200 fleets at Carnac Yacht Club from the 21st to the 24th of June 2024 for a festival of sailing - The EuroCup RS!...

Entries Open for the RS 30th Anniversary Regatta

Entries are open for the much-anticipated 30th Anniversary Regatta at Hayling Island Sailing Club, 17th - 19th May 2024. The 30th Anniversary Regatta celebrates friends, family and sailboat racing....

Entries Open for the RS21 World Championship 2024

A revolution in keelboat sailing, the highest-level competition, and the innovative Friends & Family Pass. The RS21 International Class Association proudly announces the official opening of the...

Entry is now open for the RS Aero World Championship 2024

By the RS Aero Class Association   RS Aero World Championship Hayling Island Sailing Club 26th-30th August 2024 Supported by Rooster, Selden, Harken, Noble...

BBC One’s The Apprentice Candidates treated to Luxury Sailing Experience on RS21s

Lord Sugar treated the winning team of BBC One's The Apprentice (Series 18, Episode 4) to a race on RS21s at Queen Mary Sailing Club. The episode (which featured on BBC One, 22nd March 2024 at 9pm)...

RS Sailing Show Preview | RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2024

We're so excited to share our show preview for the 2024 edition of the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show! Location RS Sailing stand, G30|G40|F30|F40  Keep an eye out for the magenta carpet and...
RS Aero

Life after Toppers? You need to try the RS Aero!

By Lynn Billowes - RS Aero sailor, Topper Coach & ex Topper Female World Champion   Growing up with the Topper Class sets a high precedent for your expectations as you move onto other...

Mozzy Sails – RS800 Boat Tour

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as folding back your top cover at the start of the season and working out what bimbles you’re going to take on to give you that edge on the racecourse. Bimble...

Inspire Inclusion for Women & Girls in Sailing

The theme for this year's International Women's Day is 'inspire inclusion'. So, we thought we would share some of the initiatives created by The World Sailing Trust that you could use at your club...

The EuroCup RS 2024

RS Sailing France are incredibly excited to host the RS Aero, RS700, RS100, and RS200 fleets at Carnac Yacht Club from the 21st to the 24th of June 2024 for a festival of sailing - The EuroCup RS!...

Entries Open for the RS 30th Anniversary Regatta

Entries are open for the much-anticipated 30th Anniversary Regatta at Hayling Island Sailing Club, 17th - 19th May 2024. The 30th Anniversary Regatta celebrates friends, family and sailboat racing....

Entries Open for the RS21 World Championship 2024

A revolution in keelboat sailing, the highest-level competition, and the innovative Friends & Family Pass. The RS21 International Class Association proudly announces the official opening of the...

Entry is now open for the RS Aero World Championship 2024

By the RS Aero Class Association   RS Aero World Championship Hayling Island Sailing Club 26th-30th August 2024 Supported by Rooster, Selden, Harken, Noble...

BBC One’s The Apprentice Candidates treated to Luxury Sailing Experience on RS21s

Lord Sugar treated the winning team of BBC One's The Apprentice (Series 18, Episode 4) to a race on RS21s at Queen Mary Sailing Club. The episode (which featured on BBC One, 22nd March 2024 at 9pm)...

RS Sailing Show Preview | RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2024

We're so excited to share our show preview for the 2024 edition of the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show! Location RS Sailing stand, G30|G40|F30|F40  Keep an eye out for the magenta carpet and...

Join the RS Team | RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2024

The RS Marine Group is growing, so we are constantly looking for passionate individuals to join the RS Team. We know that creating a CV and sending it in for a role is a daunting process, so...

Mozzy Sails – RS800 Boat Tour

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as folding back your top cover at the start of the season and working out what bimbles you’re going to take on to give you that edge on the racecourse. Bimble...

Inspire Inclusion for Women & Girls in Sailing

The theme for this year's International Women's Day is 'inspire inclusion'. So, we thought we would share some of the initiatives created by The World Sailing Trust that you could use at your club...

The EuroCup RS 2024

RS Sailing France are incredibly excited to host the RS Aero, RS700, RS100, and RS200 fleets at Carnac Yacht Club from the 21st to the 24th of June 2024 for a festival of sailing - The EuroCup RS!...

Entries Open for the RS 30th Anniversary Regatta

Entries are open for the much-anticipated 30th Anniversary Regatta at Hayling Island Sailing Club, 17th - 19th May 2024. The 30th Anniversary Regatta celebrates friends, family and sailboat racing....

Entries Open for the RS21 World Championship 2024

A revolution in keelboat sailing, the highest-level competition, and the innovative Friends & Family Pass. The RS21 International Class Association proudly announces the official opening of the...

Entry is now open for the RS Aero World Championship 2024

By the RS Aero Class Association   RS Aero World Championship Hayling Island Sailing Club 26th-30th August 2024 Supported by Rooster, Selden, Harken, Noble...

BBC One’s The Apprentice Candidates treated to Luxury Sailing Experience on RS21s

Lord Sugar treated the winning team of BBC One's The Apprentice (Series 18, Episode 4) to a race on RS21s at Queen Mary Sailing Club. The episode (which featured on BBC One, 22nd March 2024 at 9pm)...

RS Sailing Show Preview | RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2024

We're so excited to share our show preview for the 2024 edition of the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show! Location RS Sailing stand, G30|G40|F30|F40  Keep an eye out for the magenta carpet and...

Join the RS Team | RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2024

The RS Marine Group is growing, so we are constantly looking for passionate individuals to join the RS Team. We know that creating a CV and sending it in for a role is a daunting process, so...

30th Birthday | RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2024

Drum roll, please! If you're heading to the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, join us on the RS Sailing Stand at 5pm on Saturday, 24th February, for the first of many parties this year to celebrate...

Pin It on Pinterest