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WORLD SALING - SINGLE HANDER EQUIPMENT EVALUATION PANEL REPORT
10/05/2019 13:04:51WORLD SALING - SINGLE HANDER EQUIPMENT EVALUATION PANEL REPORT
The evaluation concluded that there are two suitable items of equipment for the event: The RS AERO equipment presented by RS Sailing and the Laser equipment presented by ILCA.The Evaluation Panel developed a scoring matrix against which the equipment options were scored based on the evaluation criteria for the event.
The overall scores are:
RS AERO - 80%
LASER - 69%
MELGES 14 - 54%
DZERO - 52%
READ THE FULL EVALUATION PANEL REPORT
What did they think?
In the most detailed and scrutinous review of the RS Aero to date and for sure the definitive profession review of this sector of the decade, here are some of the pleasing conclusions that the Trials Sailors and the Word Sailing Evaluation Panel came to with regards to the RS Aero;
QUALITY & STANDARDIZATION: 'RS Aero’s finished product exceeded all others in terms of quality and durability. The hardware and systems are well designed to function easily for the sailor and are proven in international competition. The spars are built to a specification and quality control standard that is producing consistent equipment for this international class. The lightweight hull is engineered with modern materials and modern composite building expertise bringing consistency of manufacture that is
performing in the current marketplace.
ATHLETIC SUITABILITY: 'The light hull requiring sensitivity in boat handling, was considered by MNA sailors as rewarding higher sailing skills and tactical knowledge. The simplicity of the design and of the systems promotes success more related to athletic superiority and tactical understanding than technical knowledge of the specific equipment.'
PERFORMANCE: 'MNA sailors considered the hull size suitable for multiple rig sizes and perfectly suited for pathway and youth. Described as quick and aggressive in its maneuvres and easy to trim appropriately with all controls comfortably routed and efficient with simple and well thought out concepts which were appreciated by the sailors.....'
APPEAL: 'The (RS Aero) was described as fun, fast and appealing on land and in the water. Fitness and strength rewarded. The boat is light and easy to move around on land for launch and for transport. Easily righted after capsizing'
DESIGN UNIVERSALITY: 'The design is simple and well designed for distribution. The Dacron sail has two full battens at the top of the sail. Dacron sails do not remain competitive for a long time but can be and are used in emerging nations for many years…'
QUALITY of PRODUCTION: 'RS Sailing provided good building specification and demonstrated the quality control procedures they have in place with the hull manufacturer for a number of their products.'
QUALITY UNIVERSALITY: '...There is already an extensive dealer network around the world based on other RS Sailing classes where distribution and customer service meet expectations....'
COST: 'The (RS Aero) pricing information is credible'
COST UNIVERSALITY: 'The (RS Aero) has been designed for freight efficiency...' , '...saving space when stacking hulls for transport...'
The Yachts & Yachting Report generated over 1000 'likes' (and another 700 likes on Sail-World so far!) showing incredible support for the RS Aero's success in the contest for Olympic selection.
RS Sailing's Alex Newton-Southon, CEO - Design & Technologies, said on hearing the news:
"RS Sailing is delighted that the RS Aero is the clear overall top scorer in the World Sailing Evaluation Panel report into Equipment for the Olympic Men's and Women's One Person Dinghy Event.
"We are impressed by the comprehensive report and thoroughness of the Evaluation Panel in conducting the process and proud of the recognition that the RS Aero received in all areas, including that the RS Aero exceeded all others in terms of quality and durability.
"We are passionate about the future, not just about RS Sailing, but also about the sport itself. We love sailing!"
"RS Sailing is delighted that the RS Aero is the clear overall top scorer in the World Sailing Evaluation Panel report into Equipment for the Olympic Men's and Women's One Person Dinghy Event.
"We are impressed by the comprehensive report and thoroughness of the Evaluation Panel in conducting the process and proud of the recognition that the RS Aero received in all areas, including that the RS Aero exceeded all others in terms of quality and durability.
"We are passionate about the future, not just about RS Sailing, but also about the sport itself. We love sailing!"
The next step is the World Sailing Mid-Year Conference where the World Council will vote on keeping the existing equipment or taking the advice of the Evaluation Panel that they sought. This takes place on the 19th May in London.
*Update 20th May*
Here is an informative audio for those interested in understanding further the detail and process of the Valencia sea trials and the resultant Evaluation Report. The audio is the Evaluation Panel presenting their detailed 30 page Report to the Equipment Committee with further explanations and answering their questions.
The Equipment Committee then voted in favour of the RS Aero over the other three boats by a dominant 9:3:0:0 votes, making their recommendation to the WS Council to approve the RS Aero. Council members then voted against their expert's recommendation the following day.
Full credit to the Panel, whilst World Sailing have their critics these trials were conducted with the highest integrity and were impressively professional, structured, detailed and transparent.
The Single Handed dinghy part is from 2:18 to 3:42 - for when you have a spare 84 minutes!
