RS SAILING RS Zest, Rigging Manual

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4.1 - Introduction
4.2 - Launching
4.3 - Leaving the Beach
The RS Zest is a very rewarding boat to sail – to fully appreciate its handling, you
should be comfortable with the basic techniques of sailing small boats. If you lack
confidence or feel that a refresher is in order, there are many approved sailing schools
which use the RS Zest. See www.rya.org.uk for more information.
While we offer you a few hints to aid your enjoyment of your new boat, they should
not be considered as a substitute for an approved course in dinghy sailing. In order to
build your confidence and familiarise yourself with your new boat, we recommend that
you choose a fairly quiet day with a steady wind for your first outing.
With the sails fully hoisted and the rudder attached to the transom, the boat should be
wheeled into the water, keeping it head to wind as far as possible. If you have a crew,
s/he can hold the boat head to wind whilst the trolley is stowed ashore.
If the tide is coming in as you launch, make sure that you leave the trolley far
enough up the beach that it will not be swept away.
The easiest way to get going is for the helm to hop aboard while the crew holds the
boat. The helm should put a little centreboard down, move back to their normal position,
and pull gently on the rudder downhaul to lower some of the rudder blade.
Then, s/he may instruct the crew to push the bow off the wind and climb in. The crew
will then lower the daggerboard as depth allows. The retaining elastic should be tied on
as soon as possible to prevent the board falling out in the event of a capsize.
The singlehanded sailor may choose to ask someone to help them to launch. If
launching alone, stand in the water alongside the gunwhale, holding the boat head to
wind. Lower part of the daggerboard and rudder, and then push the bow off the wind
while hopping in.
As soon the water is deep enough, make sure that you lower the rudder blade fully by
pulling the rudder downhaul hard. You will know it is fully down if you feel a gentle ”thud”
as the front face of the blade hits the front face of the stock. Cleat the downhaul and tidy
it by winding it around the tiller. Pull the sail in and you are away!
For the best performance, you should ensure that position yourself so that the boat is
sailing through the water as flat as possible. Watch the trim (fore and aft) and the heel.
The boat should always be sailed as upright as possible.
Top Tip
As a general rule, sit further forward in lighter winds and further aft in stronger breezes.