Minimal maintenance, comfortable sailing, the ability to be raced by men and women of virtually all ages and remarkably low campaign costs make the RS Elite all about enjoyment. Elite owner's just love their boats.
The first major new keelboat class in her sector for years, the Elite exceeds expectations.
When we set out to develop a keelboat that offers undiluted sailing pleasure we defined several crucial goals - great looks - beautiful handling - performance - maximum convenience.
Great looksWhether it is the first time that you first see your boat, or the hundredth time you look at the photo on the office wall, a good-looking boat gives pride of ownership.
Designed by Phil Morrison and developed by the RS team, the RS Elite turns heads wherever she goes.
Beautiful handlingFinger light steering, perfect tracking and masses of stability make the Elite a joy to sail. And a boat in balance is boat that can be easily driven to surprising speeds.
A fine bow, long narrow hull, balanced rudder and easily controllable rig ensure the Elite puts a smile on your face from the moment you hoist the sails.
Performance
High pointing and fast upwind speeds, plus pace downwind that surprises most sailors by rising effortlessly into double figures and high teens at maximum. The RS Elite is quicker around the track than many sportsboats, but without the drama in stronger breeze.
Maximum convenienceThe Elite maximises the pleasure of owning a racing keelboat by minimising the hassle:
Shallow draft & symmetrical spinnaker - allow the Elite to be competitively raced as a class or on handicap, just about anywhere.
Low maintenance - means more time on the water. Solid GRP construction - encapsulated bulb keel - simple systems.
Three crew - makes putting a racing crew together easy. In fact the handling systems, weight tolerant design, Class Rules and spacious cockpit allow a choice of two, three or four sailors. So from two mates to a young family, many options are possible and competitive.
No Hiking One Design - ensures that Elite racing will be close and tactical. You'll win on the water, not at the bank. Strict production controls and Class Rules ensure top performance straight out of the box.
Self draining and unsinkable Easy to tow - behind a medium size car.
Low cost - exceptional value for a boat of this type.
Racing Options Fleet Racing Club fleets are growing and undoubtedly this will be a very popular reason for choosing the boat.In addition, the ease with which the boat can be trailed will make regattas at home and overseas a very attractive option. Big events such as Cowes Week and the Scottish Series with their Elite fleet starts, plus the National Championships give a fantastic combination of highly competitive racing and a great social scene. Do it once - and you'll definitely want to do it again.
Handicap Racing The Elite can be raced under Portsmouth Yardstick, IRC and Sportsboat handicap systems, so the possibilities are endless! And "rumour has it" that she is very competitive under most systems due to the all-round performance and non-extreme design.
Match Racing With looks so reminiscent of a mini America's Cupper, what could be more obvious? The symmetrical spinnaker, simple systems and performance profile make the Elite perfect for the job.
