Is there anything more frustrating than losing a race on the water due to a breakage at a Championship? We’ve been there – a simple shackle can ruin your day, and we know how it feels – so we’ve pulled together this blog with 15 tips from the RS Sailing Store Team to get your RS race ready this summer!
- Check that your pintle/gudgeons are secure on the transom
- Check your tiller is secure in the stock and your UJ shows no signs of wear
- Check that your rudder blade is race-ready with no dings and ensure that the pivot system works
- Check that your toe strap has not frayed and is not about to break
- Check the mainsheet ratchet is clear of grit, sand and is well lubricated
- Thoroughly check your control line ropes and splices are in good condition
- Remove any tape you’ve coated a component in and check it’s still in working order, whether it’s rope, a shackle, a split pin or anything else
- Check that your kicker, runs like a dream, is secure to the boat and the cleat teeth are biting on the line
- Check your control line cleats are in good condition – again make sure they bite, grrrr!
- Check the fluff/pro-grip in your daggerboard slot is secure and your daggerboard is in race ready condition
- Check your gooseneck spigot/inboard boom end is straight, true and correctly attached
- Check your mast pot is secure and not worn
- Check your main halyard and cleat are in tip-top condition
- Check your bung and hatch seals are still on point
- Check your sail numbers, country letters and country flags – with the correct spacing and sizing
We’d always advise getting to bits well in advance of your event so you’ve got plenty of time to fettle before the pressures on. Alternatively, if you’re a last-minute larry, we will be offering a Click & Collect service at most of our regattas this summer.
The RS Sailors Club offers exclusive discounts at the RS Sailing Store all year round. It’s free to join. Premium membership is available to RS Class Association members. Fill out the Membership Form to sign-up and receive: 15% off your first purchase*, 15% off Allen Hardware, 25% off Kingfisher Rope and lots more!
If you have any questions about your RS, the checklist or the event, our team are always happy to help! Get in touch by email spares@rssailing.com or call 01794526760 option 1.
*T&C’s apply
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