Hull & Wings

• Fully integrated wide, solid wings and a smooth run-through deck facilitate athletic sailing.
• RS900 sailors will use techniques matched to those of the 49er men - allowing shared training in many regions - especially helpful for smaller sailing nations.
• The wings fit smoothly into the hull.
• Arguably the most flowing platform of any skiff, plus structural integrity and seriously good looks.
• The RS900 hull is shorter, narrower and has lower freeboard – smaller all round than the RS800 - to suit light female teams.
• Reduced surface area allows a corresponding weight reduction.

Rig

• The rig matched to wide leverage to produce spectacular performance whilst suiting the110 -130kg crew weight range specified by ISAF.
• Jib tacked onto the bow - with the forestay attachment point pushed as far forward of the forefoot as possible to give maximum low-down jib area - without excessive hull length and correspondingly reduced responsiveness.
• Relatively straight mast and square head mainsail follow the latest skiff design trends.
• Masthead spinnaker maximises downwind performance.
• Large moulded chute & triple patch downhaul.
• Carbon mast – 2-part for transportation on roof rack or in 20’ container

Structural engineering

• Structural engineering has played a major part in the design development of the RS900, especially the solid wings and their hull integration.
• Hard-won, RS volume production experience plus input from world class composite engineering experts in the USA on this project have created a boat that is not only strong and long lasting, but also efficient to build.
• Proven long lasting, epoxy foam sandwich system.
• Carbon fibre reinforcement in specific high load areas.

Cost

• Efficient production design results in relatively low cost for a skiff of this type.
• The RS900’s price will be comparable with a competitive 470 – acknowledged by MNAs worldwide as a proven successful Olympic class.
• Epoxy construction has virtually zero water absorption, is stronger and longer lasting than polyester – providing a significantly longer competitive life.
• All Olympic competitors know the initial cost of the equipment is only one factor in overall campaign costs.
• The RS900’s well engineered epoxy sandwich construction will provide a long competitive life with less frequent need for replacement.
• Long life will soon allow new teams to enter the class by purchasing a competitive second hand boat at a lower cost - which will also lower the long term costs for existing teams through better resale values.
• RS900 - a strong, long lasting boat that will offer true good value in the short and long term.

Production and distribution

• RS Sailing has significant experience in the introduction and high volume manufacture of racing classes.
• For example - RS100 launched in 2010 (built in exactly the same way as the RS900) with the highest number of pre-orders in the history of racing sailboat launches – 200 boats supplied globally within the first year.
• International RS dealer network – for efficient supply plus parts back-up.

Olympic selection process

• An evaluation team, overseen by ISAF’s Equipment Committee, will hold evaluation trials - expected to be in late March 2012.
• A report from the Evaluation team will be submitted to ISAF.
• Final selection of the Women’s Olympic Skiff will take place at the ISAF mid-year meeting in May 2012.