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Home >> General Discussion >> RS Aero or RS 100
The Aero is the more versatile of the two boats, in that it can be sailed well in a huge range of conditions. Yes, in the big picture it's similar to a Laser (which I've sailed too), that is, it's a small single-handed cat rig, but in its details it's clearly superior. It's PY is only a few% lower than a Laser, but of course that represents an average over all conditions. In reality, the greatest speed difference is on a planing reach, where it really flies. It's much more comfortable for hiking, and has eliminated all of the annoying Laser problems, such as the sheet catching on the transom during a gybe. Quick to rig. The sail is far more responsive to controls. Steering is tight. The boom is higher. It's half the weight. I could go on...
 
As for the RS100. It's good that you've already learned how to sail an asymmetric while on a double-hander. I hadn't, and so had to learn on my own, while playing all the downwind roles, which is not the sequence I would recommend. Compared with a Laser, or an Aero, the 100 is fast, fun, and always challenging downwind. But the conditions matter a lot. I have both boats, and we have a huge range of conditions where I sail. I usually take the 100 as my play toy when the wind is relatively steady and in the range of 8 to 15 knots. In all other conditions, or when I want to practice for racing, I take the Aero. The 100 doesn't have any racing in the U.S., and it appears that it doesn't have a lot elsewhere, so really it's a boat for fun. As for upwind sailing: it's really no faster than an Aero, but generally a bit more work. The 8.4 mainsail on the 100 is pretty big (I'm 75 kg), so while the wings are generous, and quite comfortable for hiking, it's still the usual amount of work upwind, with the downwind as the main reward. It's a bit like skiing without a chair lift. The size of your venue matters as well. Given the limitations on downwind sailing angles, and the speed, the 100 needs a lot more water than the Aero. In short, if it's just for fun, and your venue is good-sized and has decent wind, the 100 would fit the bill. If you want to race, or if it's usually light and shifty where you sail, the Aero is a better choice.
 
Personally, I think the ideal combination would be to race an Aero and also sail and/or race a double-hander asymmetric with a good, reliable teammate. Ultimately, a single-hander asymmetric is a compromise. To accommodate the chute, and for balance downwind, the mast is set farther aft than it otherwise would be. But there's no jib, so upwind it's a compromised configuration. But, of course, finding that teammate is easier said than done, which is probably why the 100 exists.



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25/10/2018 16:01:00
david
Posts: 64
I did Toppers for 1 winter a few years ago and did 2 national events, as I grew out of it. Then I moved into a Laser Radial April 2017, and did a nationals, and many of the European and world qualifying events. I was in the welsh national Laser squad last winter, soon starting to do well in club races. In the Laser I pretty much sailed all over the place in it, rarely making it to my sailing club which is Port Dinowic SC in north wales. I started to get board of the concept of 1 sail and painful knees.
 
Also I weigh 80kg. My club is based on the Menai Straights which basically is a river so you can get fairly large swell when wind against tide but usually fairly flat. Wind can be gusty and shifty, depending on the direction.
 
Although the Aero has a bigger fleet and is expanding the main thing that is putting me off it is the fear that it would be a bit similar to the laser (which I got board of). have you ever sailed a Laser? if so does it feel similar to an Aero. The only Aero I have sailed is a foiling one so didn't really get the feel of the normal boat. I have never sailed a 100 but have had spinnaker experience in a Feva and a 500 and really enjoyed it. Which boat would you rater take out in the light conditions? and which boat in the stronger conditions? I like the look of the setup of the 100 with the adjustable mast step and shrouds so adds more interest to the boat.
 
Sorry for the long reply but you are the perfect person I was looking for to give me advice.
Thanks,
Aidan 



Reply
25/10/2018 09:27:00
Aidan
Posts: 4
Hi Aidan,
It depends on several factors - weight, water (open sea, big reservoir/little pond), racing preference (handicap/fleet), and so on.
 
I had a RS100 for 4 years and, at 80Kg, never really felt that I mastered it, particularly at Force 4 and above, (8.4 sail). Yes, it screams downwind with the kite, but that was normally rewarded by a capsize at the gybe mark :-) And racing was limited on the whole to handicap racing. Being beaten by 10 yr olds in Oppys and Fevas was the last straw.
 
So, I switched to the Aero. It too screams downwind but the gybes are so much more survivable. Being so light, it accelerates quickly (great against Lasers), but you also have the benefit of big, fast growing Aero fleets everywhere. I still tend to be at the back but hey, the Aero has put the FUN back into my sailing. And that is really the standout for the Aero ... no matter what type of sailing you enjoy, the Aero is great fun, the Aero people are some of the friendliest, most helpful you can meet, and the availability of the 3 rigs ensures fellow Aero sailors of all ages from 10 to 80. Just my two pennyworth. 



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25/10/2018 09:26:00
Robin Pilcher
Posts: 1
Hello Aidan,
My previous boat was an RS100 which I had for 5 years.  Both boats are terrific and fun to sail. I went to the Dinghy Show saw the Aero and knew I had to have one, I didn't make a technical decision. 
 
I sail my Aero in a Laser fleet with 3 other Aeros, this works very well. Your choice also depends on what sort of sailing you want to do, if you want to join in club racing then probably the Aero is the better choice as I found that the RS100 doesn't suit "round the cans" courses if they involve shy spinnaker reaching.  The RS100 under spinnaker in some wind is really enjoyable.  If you can, test sail both boats. 
 
RS customer service is outstanding and both boats are quality products so I wouldn't worry about any issues other than sailing enjoyment.



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25/10/2018 08:45:00
Robert Holdway
Posts: 18
I own and often sail both the 100 and the Aero and could give you some suggestions, but it would help to know more about your past experience (what kinds of boats?) and your venue (its size and typical wind).


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25/10/2018 02:24:00
david
Posts: 64
Hello,
I am a currently selling my Laser with the hope to replace it with either a RS Aero or a RS 100. I can not decide which one to get. The 100 fleet seems bare compared to the Aero. I think i would like the speed of a 100 especially with the kite up. I have heard the 100 feels slow upwind like a Laser.
Please can you help me decide which one to get,
Thanks



Reply
24/10/2018 18:10:00
Aidan
Posts: 4


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