Single-handed sailing can often be seen as an activity for the more formidable sailor. Lacking company and the comfort of another pair of hands, single-handed sailing isn’t for everyone yet it brings pleasure to so many.
Why? Well it can be argued that you have no amateur dramatics with the lack of a crew on board, no calendar clashes, no sass. It’s all on you. Independence, ownership, empowerment and that giddy feeling of freedom you can only truly get on your own.
It’s your responsibility to rig the boat right, pack the right kit, pack suitable snacks and pick up the drinks bottle that doesn’t leak. You’re the information gatherer and decision-maker on the water, it’s your bad start, your dodgy leeward mark rounding and undeniably your fault if you inhale half the sea during a particularly savage pitch pole.
Whether you’re getting afloat for the first time or an old salty sea dog, there’s so much pleasure to be taken by sailing on your own and forging your own destiny.
Not to brag – but RS is practically famous for its sociable classes, so if you fear single-handed sailing may be lacking the social interaction you’re craving, you are wrong. Single-handed sailors play hard and party hard; there are daily top tips, blow by blow rules situations talked through in the bar, socials that take over whole restaurants and in the adult classes, evenings that make sailing a little dusty the next day. The single-handed classes are fiercely friendly and welcome newcomers with open arms.
The RS Range is bursting full of boats and there’s truly a single-hander for everyone. From your first moments afloat in an RS Zest to absolutely sending it in an RS700 there’s a boat to fuel passion in any sailors soul;
RS Zest – A compact boat that delivers more crew space and practical, enjoyable features than older generation rivals. The RS Zest replaces the RS Quba and is already a hit with training centres and families. Class leading space for two sailors, yet small enough for convenient single-handing. Instructors will love the practical design solutions engineered by our team. Rotomoulded polyethylene construction makes the RS Zest almost maintenance free – this is a boat to get you onto the water and into the wonderful world of sailing – no hassle – no end to the fun.
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 radical designs. Composite spars and advanced sail design on a stable and easily driven hull combine with the strong, low maintenance RS rotomoulded construction system. The RS Neo is accessible, affordable and exciting.
RS Tera – Fast and exciting 21st century single-hander that looks cool and makes sailing addictive. From entry level to international competition the RS Tera gets kids hooked on sailing. And that’s exactly what we want. It’s 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. It’s tough. Two sail sizes mean small novices and experienced teenagers love the RS Tera equally, so parents do too. Above all, at the beach with family – or on the World Circuit with international competitors – the emphasis is on fun afloat while building incredible sailing experiences. Perfect.
RS Aero – Modern single-hander. And easily handled too. Astonishingly, the RS Aero weighs about the same as an Optimist. That drives everything about its incredible user friendliness through transporting, rigging and launching – before you even experience the addictive sensations afloat. Complex thinking leading to beautiful simplicity – the RS Aero ignites the pure excitement of sailing in its least complicated form. Three rig sizes enable youths, ladies and guys to enjoy the ride. Already an International Class and winner of the 2019 World Sailing Equipment Trails for the 2024 Men’s and Women’s One Person Dinghy Event, the community is building fast for the most competitive sailors. It’s a phenomenon. Just do it.
RS100 – Exhilarating hiking single-hander with gennaker. Beautifully built using epoxy sandwich construction and carbon spars, the RS100 offers exhilarating racing and incorporates a host of features that make the performance widely attainable. Three rig sizes cover a wide sailor range and the cockpit is incredibly comfortable in all conditions, on open sea and inland water. The RS100 is responsive and highly rewarding for sailors who relish the challenge.
RS700 – A top level single-handed skiff with performance equalization that allows winners to be big or small. The RS700 has refined systems for user-friendliness and competition on the fantastic RS Racing Circuits. It’s not for the faint hearted but this Class has a cult following and it’s easy to see why.
Check out our range here for more information about our single-handed beauties! We offer free demo opportunities, so please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team if you’d like a little more information.
Don’t wait to start your single-handed sailing – forge your own destiny!
