We’re delighted to see the very first RS CAT12 arrive in Australia!
The self-proclaimed “salty bunch of Taswegians” at Small Craft Tasmania are based in one of the wildest sailing locations on Earth. With a passion for adventure sailing and exploring rugged coastlines, they are the perfect crew to test the new RS CAT12 beach catamaran and share their thoughts on the latest addition to the RS CAT range.
Mat Conboy from Small Craft Tasmania documented the full RS CAT12 unboxing, build (with the rigging guide), and first test sail, giving viewers an in-depth look at what this compact beach catamaran can do.
(Keep an eye out for a couple of unexpected cameos during the video – including a stowaway wasp from Sailing Raceboats Pty Ltd and Billy the dog, who might just steal the show…)
Watch The Video
Built for Adventure
One feature stood out immediately for Mat and the team:
“The real game changer for us; it’s designed to be completely taken apart, meaning we can actually transport it on roof racks. For a mini-cat it packs a massive punch, boating a 340kg payload and the crucial ability to reduce sail when the wind picks it.”
Despite its compact size, the RS CAT12 impressed with its versatility.
“It might be small, but it has more cruising capabilities than many monohulls in its size class.”
And when it comes to getting on the water, bringing simplicity back to the beach is key.
“You don’t need a trailer for this boat. Small boats like this are appealing to us because it means we can just drag them across the sand.”
Single-Handed or Double-Handed
Mat is joined on the water by his partner Jo, who helps test sail the RS CAT12 from a crew (and sunbathing!) POV. Her verdict?
“It’s really nice, it’s really comfy. I’m actually really impressed. Speedy, safe, comfortable, affordable, cute and colour-coordinated.”
The RS CAT12’s layout and stability make it well suited to sailors looking for a versatile beach catamaran for solo sailing or sailing with a partner and kids.
Putting the RS CAT12 to the Test
The test sail covers everything you’d want to see from a first outing, looking at how the RS CAT12 performs on the water, covering:
- Launching and recovery
- Capsize and righting
- Reefing the sail in stronger winds
- Handling in chop
- Speed tests in moderate conditions
With winds reaching a friendly 10 knots, the boat already showed plenty of promise. But Mat is keen to push things further.
“I can’t wait to get this thing out in some serious puff. You can take the jib down, just run on the main alone. Reef it if you need to. I don’t think it matters what the conditions are. You can take this out. Have some fun. It feels very safe.”
These features make the RS CAT12 particularly appealing for sailors looking for a versatile beach catamaran for variable conditions.
Final Verdict
So what’s the overall conclusion from the Tasmanian test team?
“What a great little boat. Fun factor 10/10! Absolutely. We were impressed with this little beach catamaran. Built to a very high standard with performance to match.”
Thanks for the review, Mat & Jo. We’re staying tuned for the next episode! We can’t wait to see where your RS CAT12 adventure sails take you.
