At RS Sailing, the pursuit of creating world-class catamarans began over a decade ago, with a vision to develop boats that were not only fun to sail but also offered exceptional engineering and performance. 
From the RS CAT16 to the RS CAT14 and the RS CAT12, this evolution of design reflects the changing needs of sailors and the ambition to redefine the catamaran experience. We sat down with Alex Newton-Southon, who oversaw Design & Technology at RS Marine Group during this period, to talk about the story behind the development of these modern multihulls.
The Birth of the RS CAT16: A Game-Changer in Catamaran Design
“In the early 2010s, we realised that there was a gap in the market for a high-quality, durable, and easy-to-handle catamaran. Sailing clubs and institutions were asking for a complete package – boats that were suitable for schools and clubs, yet capable of withstanding the heavy use that comes with such environments. While we had multiple options in our monohull training range, one area we were missing out on was the multihull,” reminisces Alex.
The team were aware of the limitations of existing competitor catamaran designs, particularly those made from polyethylene (PE), which were often flexible and prone to twist due to the material’s characteristics. Catamarans, with their powerful loads transferred through the beams, present unique engineering challenges, especially when attached to structures that are already quite flexible. The solution, however, was approached differently at RS Sailing.
“We really wanted to design a catamaran that was strong from an engineering perspective,” explains Alex. “The key was to create a shape that contributed to the boat’s stiffness. We brought in Jo Richards, a renowned designer with extensive experience in catamarans, to help bring this vision to life. The result was the RS CAT16, which featured a clever channel underneath the topsides that acted as a load bar. This beam, running across the boat, provides a stable connection, enabling the boat to harness forces efficiently.”
Another crucial design element is the catamaran’s bows. “In a market where competitors were designing narrow bows, we wanted to make sure the RS CAT16 had enough volume up front, providing better stability, especially in school and club settings. We also ensured there was significant internal buoyancy for increased safety.”
“We were keen to make the boat look bold, but we also made sure it was practical, stable, and easy to handle for schools,” Alex recalls. Launched in 2013, the RS CAT16 was an immediate success, offering a perfect blend of performance and reliability, with stiffness and buoyancy at the forefront of the design.
RS CAT14: A Smaller, Yet Highly Refined Successor
After the success of the RS CAT16, it was clear that a smaller, more compact version of the catamaran would be needed. Enter the RS CAT14 in 2018. Essentially a smaller version of the RS CAT16, the RS CAT14 is two feet shorter but required some design adjustments to maintain stability, particularly in the bows.
“We knew we couldn’t change the fundamental design too much. The key challenge was increasing the buoyancy in the bow to compensate for the reduction in size,” explains Alex. The RS CAT14 maintains many of the same characteristics as the RS CAT16, including the innovative beam system. “In fact, the design and testing phase for the RS CAT14 was much faster, as many of the components had already been developed for the RS CAT16.”
Despite being a smaller boat, the RS CAT14 has fantastic balance, making it incredibly fun to sail. “Out of the 14 and 16, the balance of the RS CAT14 and the way it sailed just felt right. It was a boat that we managed to develop extremely quickly with instant feel-good results,” says Alex.
The RS CAT14 has proved to be a highly successful model, particularly in wind-over-tide conditions like those in Gurnard, where much of the testing was carried out. Its stability and reliability, especially in wavy conditions, combined with its ease of use, makes it another ideal choice for both sailing clubs and families.
RS CAT12: A New Era of Beach Cats and Simplified Sailing
“As the market continued to evolve, we recognised the need for a new kind of catamaran in the beach, leisure and hotel sector.” The RS CAT12 caters to a different type of sailor – someone looking for a smaller, user-friendly boat with the same attention to engineering detail as its predecessors. The challenge was to create a boat that was still part of the RS Sailing family but had a softer look and feel.
“We wanted the RS CAT12 to be like the RS Zest of the cat world. Something that was super stable, super reliable, and super easy to use,” explains Alex. The result was a boat launched in 2024 with a rounder, more simplified design compared to the RS CAT16 and RS CAT14. The hulls are fuller, offering plenty of internal buoyancy to ensure that the boat is stable even in challenging conditions. The design evolved to a boat that is easy to rig and launch off a beach, and simple to sail and maintain without compromising on performance.
The RS CAT12 also benefits from the same DNA as its larger siblings, with features like internal side rails for easy lifting and concave seating on the hulls for easy grip and comfortable seating. Replaceable, detachable bow fenders have also been added to reduce the risk of damage in case of collisions. Additionally, smaller beams and a smaller mast section to make the boat lighter and easier to handle. The same reliable rudder stock as the RS Zest is used to ensure durability and again help with parts replacements for operators to easily get hold of.
“The RS CAT12 might be smaller, but it has just as much engineering behind it as the 14 and 16. We made sure that it was a safe, stable, and enjoyable boat to sail, whether you’re on a beach or at a sailing club,” says Alex.
A Proud Evolution
As Alex reflects on the journey from the RS CAT16 to the RS CAT14 and RS CAT12: “When I saw all the CATs stacked up in a pyramid at the RYA Dinghy Show this year, I felt so proud to see the evolution of the design. Each boat had its own identity, yet they are all part of the same family.”
The evolution of the RS Catamaran range is a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation and performance from the design team. “From the engineering excellence of the RS CAT16 to the simplified, user-friendly design of the RS CAT12, we have continually pushed the boundaries of what a catamaran can be – ensuring that each new model meets the needs of modern sailors while staying true to the company’s core values.”
For sailors looking for a modern multihull that blends cutting-edge technology with ease of use, the RS Catamaran range offers a perfect solution. Whether you’re a sailing school, hire operator or recreational sailor, there’s an RS catamaran designed to make your time on the water both safe and enjoyable. If you’re searching for the best sailing catamaran or looking for options for catamarans for sale, we have a solution for you.
Interested in learning to sail a catamaran? Check out our blogs on why you should learn to sail on a multihull.
