RS SAILING Venture S, Rigging Manual

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The RS Venture 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 can be
recommended. 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, 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.
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, then move back to his normal position, ease
the rudder uphaul, 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 centreboard as depth allows. As soon as the water is deep enough, the
centreboard should be fully lowered, and the retaining elastic clipped to the rope handle to
prevent it retracting into the hull in the event of a full inversion.
As soon the water is deep enough, make sure that you lower the rudder blade fully by
pulling hard on the rudder downhaul. 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 you and your crew position yourselves so that the boat is sailing
through the water as upright as possible.
TOP TIP
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.
TOP TIP
If you are using the jib, pulling this sail in as you leave the beach will ensure that the bow
continues to swing away from the direction that the wind is blowing from.
TOP TIP
As a general rule, sit further forward in lighter winds and further aft in stronger breezes.
10.1 -Introduction
10.2 - Launching
10.3 - Leaving the Beach