RS800 October 2006 Update

LDC Racing Sailboats / RS800 Class Association Update - October 2006 Following a suggestion at the Class meeting held at the Nationals, a technical committee has been formed and tasked with working with LDC to improve certain key components of the RS800 with regard reliability and ease of ownership. The committee consists of Alan Olive, Andy Jeffries, Nick Peters, and Alex Southon (RS after-sales manager). Items under scrutiny include the following: 1. The mast, reinforcement and fixings: Selden have been agreed to produce a trial mast with all reinforcement integrally wound, but external; t-terminals on the standing rigging; fixed, welded spreaders to the class standard dimensions; improved fittings, and possibly some or all halliards internal. 2. Sail reinforcement and detail: Heavier stitching in key areas, webbing reinforcement in head, tack, and clews where required; Longer main boltrope, which is now solid; internal Velcro batten closures: Increased main / jib patching. 3. Daggerboard casing: Improved packing system, Damage limitation on running aground for both board and hull. 4. Hull: fitting fastening detail, ventilation, ease of manufacture and cost. LDC has welcomed the opportunity for this period of consultation and the next batch of new boat production will incorporate the changes once they have been agreed. It is made clear that any improvements will NOT be performance affecting, and such improvements that are agreed upon will be implemented using the RS Class Association�s tried and tested protocol. The Class Association and LDC are excited about improving our great boat, and will keep you informed through the process. In the meantime LDC report excellent interest levels in the RS800. Enjoy the Autumn�s sailing, the Sprint champs and of course the RS Ball!