I am relatively new to the RS Aero having bought my RS Aero 7 #3398 in September 2020 but with Covid, only really got fully into it in the last few months. Previously I sailed a Laser for 40 years - mainly a Standard rig but latterly a Radial.

Before ordering, I did a lot of research on the rig to get, since I am about 62kg but I am fit. The Aero 7 appeared to be the right choice though there were indications that it might be too powerful up wind in windier conditions. This is indeed what I am finding.

Therefore, based solely on my experience so far, the possible Aero 6 rig would seem to be more suitable. (Note - I have not sailed one of the prototype Aero 6s nor sailed an Aero 5). I do wonder if other lighter men and stronger women might also feel the same?

I have completed the RS Aero Class Association questionnaire about the Aero 6 and will be very interested to hear of the decision on adoption as a rig option, which I understand is possible this autumn. If approved, I am certain to buy this rig.

Four further observations; -

1. I gather that one reason for hesitancy on having an Aero 6 rig is that we would end up with four rig types. However, looking at various championship, open meeting and club results does rather indicate low numbers of Aero 9s taking part in comparison with Aero 5s and Aero 7s. I suspect that if the Aero 6 is adopted as a rig type, then its numbers will eventually exceed that of the Aero 9 and therefore make the 5, 6 and 7 the more popular rigs.

2. One selling point of the RS Aero design is that the wetted area increases very little with higher sailor weights, therefore there is comparatively little penalty in being heavier in light winds but conversely there is a significant penalty for lighter sailors in stronger winds, owing to it being difficult to keep the boat flat upwind.

3. Yes, I could get a 5 rig for heavier conditions but over the course of a series at my club and I suspect most other clubs, one can only qualify for results using the same rig throughout the series. Therefore ‘chopping and changing’ to suit the weather conditions is not on. I (and I suspect many others) need a rig that is the best overall compromise and I think that the Aero 6 rig is most likely to do that for many of us.

4. Both the World Sailing Selection of Equipment – Evaluation Panel Report - 2024 Men’s and Women’s One Person Dinghy Event - https://www.rsaerosailing.org/docs/811972348(2).pdf – and the PowerPoint Summary by Jean-Pierre Kiekens - http://highperformanceyouthsailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/single-handed-recommendations-powerpoint-exec_summary.pdf point to weight/rig suitabilities of the Aero 5, 6 and by implication the 7 and 9.