Christian Brandt from RS Sailing Deutschland GmbH sales in Hamburg had already announced "something completely new" before Christmas. Now it's official: RS Sailing is launching a new keelboat on the market. The RS 21 will be on show as a world first at the trade fair in Düsseldorf in a week's time. This is something to look forward to.
According to the idea, the 6.34 metre long and 2.20 metre wide sports boat is primarily intended for the rapid development of strong fleets in clubs and associations. Club sailing, which is becoming increasingly popular, is one of many target groups. The concept is also intended to appeal to individual owners and sailing schools with a platform that is both sporty and attractive.
To achieve this, designer Jo Richards (Whitehouse Yacht Design) was commissioned by RS Sailing to design a lightweight, powerful but also very dimensionally stable hull with pronounced chine edges. Around half of the total ready-to-sail weight of just 675 kilograms hangs as ballast on the T-keel, which extends 1.38 metres into the water. The keel can be almost completely raised for transport on the trailer and for launching the boat via the ramp. The rudder is attached at the rear.
The lightweight carbon fibre mast can be split for easier transport and can also be set by hand. Two different sail configurations (racing/club) provide different sail areas. Either a gennaker or a furling code zero can be set on the extendable bowsprit. The RS 21 can also be fitted with an optional electric shaft motor from Torqeedo. There is no actual interior, just a hatch in the foredeck where you can stow the additional sails and some luggage.
The price and options list for the RS 21 will probably not be issued until the world première at the trade fair. In the meantime, however, dealer Christian Brandt has already announced the launch price: the exciting sports boat will cost 31,590 euros, including 19 per cent VAT and sails.
The premiere at the boat show in Düsseldorf Hall 15, Stand E 24
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
