UPDATE: The RS200 Class Association and RS Sailing have joined forces to update the RS200, 19 years since the launch of one of the most successful modern classes, with competitive racing at club, circuit and championship level.
The aim was to update the RS200 while retaining the one-design performance, crew range and the handling enjoyed by so many sailors.
The most visible change is to the sails, with a radial cut clear Mylar mainsail replacing the original cross cut white sail. The jib also changes to a radial cut lower section and the spinnaker becomes tri-radial to match and to increase longevity through improved load paths.
Subtle changes have also been made to the hull. Under the surface, the internal structure is now constructed from foam cored GRP laminate, replacing the old plywood construction. This is said to reduce the weight of the structure, allowing the laminate strength to be increased in historically vulnerable areas without any overall weight difference.
The RS200 was originally designed with a square running system for the asymmetric spinnaker. Usage proved minimal and most of the equipment had been removed from the spec, but a complicated bowsprit system remained. This has now been tidied up, with a simple bowsprit set in a recessed foredeck channel which is said to also add form stiffness and saves weight for better use elsewhere.
The two parties say recessing the pole means a full width spinnaker chute can be fitted, with a larger mouth to reduce sail loading and distortion resulting from hoists and drops.