The RS Aero is a cutting-edge, single-handed sailboat renowned for its lightweight design, high-performance capabilities, and minimalist construction, providing sailors with an exhilarating and responsive sailing experience. West Coast Sailing has all the resources you need to rig, find replacement parts, and enjoy sailing your RS Aero.
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RS Aero Class Association (Link)
RS Aero Line Lengths:
| Description | Length | Diameter | Line Type | Quantity | Recommended Line Options |
| Main Halyard - Spliced Upgrade | --- | 3mm/5mm | Halyard | 1 | SKU: 25704 |
| Main Halyard | 38 ft | 4mm | Halyard | 1 | 4mm Alpha SSR |
| Mainsheet | 30 ft | 7mm | Sheet | 1 | 7mm NER Bzzz |
| Downhaul Deck Line | 35 ft | 4mm | Control Line | 1 | 4mm Robline Dinghy Control |
| Downhaul to Sail | 2 ft | 4mm | Control Line | 1 | 4mm Robline Dinghy Control |
| Outhaul on Boom | 11 ft | 4mm | Control Line | 1 | 4mm Robline Dinghy Control |
| Outhaul Deck Line | 31 ft | 4mm | Control Line | 1 | 4mm Robline Dinghy Control |
| Vang to Cleat | 19 ft | 4mm | Control Line | 1 | 4mm Robline Dinghy Control |
| Vang to Boom | 6 ft | 4mm | Control Line | 1 | 4mm Samson Amsteel-Blue Dyneema |
| Control Line Below deck Take-Up | 7 ft | 3mm | Control Line | 2 | 3mm Shockcord |
| Control Line Block Loops | 1 ft | 3mm | Control Line | 6 | 3mm Robline Ocean 3000 Dyneema |
| Rudder Downhaul | 5 ft | 4mm | Control Line | 1 | 4mm Robline Sirius 500 |
| Rudder Downhaul Tail | 2 ft | 4mm | Control Line | 1 | 4mm Robline Dinghy Control |
| Mainsheet Strop | 2 ft | 4mm | Misc. | 1 | 4mm Robline Dinghy Control |
| Hiking Strap Elastic | 2 ft | 5mm | Misc. | 1 | 5mm Shockcord |
| Daggerboard Leash | 3 ft | 5mm | Misc. | 1 | 5mm Shockcord |
| Mainsheet Block Loops on Boom | 1 ft | 3mm | Misc. | 4 | 3mm Robline Ocean 3000 Dyneema |
| Vang Loops on Boom | 1 ft | 5mm | Misc. | 2 | 5mm Samson Amsteel-Blue Dyneema |
| Vang Loops on Mast | 1 ft | 3mm | Misc. | 2 | 3mm Robline Ocean 3000 Dyneema |
RS Aero Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this boat the ‘Laser replacement’?
A: Some people call it that, and thousands have been sold to customers who traditionally sailed Lasers. It's not quite a 1:1 comparison, as the Aero is faster, lighter and 40 years more modern in design. But, they both tend to target the same sailors.
Q: Does the boat really only way 67 lbs?
A: Yup - which is less than an Optimist dinghy weighs
Q: Will it be in the Olympics?
A: Stay tuned :)
Q: How many have been sold in the US, or the world?
A: A few hundred are sold a year, and by early 2019, the fleet size was around 2200 boats worldwide.
Q: How does it compare to a Laser?
A: Again, they are somewhat different... the Laser is like driving an old muscle car, the Aero is like driving a Tesla Roadster. You have to be 'ahead' of the Aero more, and be on your toes - but it's quite rewarding in that regard. Laser is much lower tech, much less nimble and very much a dated design (which isn't 'bad' but just what it is)
Q: Does this boat foil?
A: One or two manufacturers make foiling kits of the Aero... but this does void the warranty. Despite the light weight, foiling boats are purpose designed to foil, and the Aero was not designed with that in mind.
Q: Is the boat fragile?
A: Sometimes lighter boats get a reputation for being delicate. The Aero is made of e-glass, carbon fiber and epoxy resin, making it one of the strongest boats we sell. That said, because it is so light, it needs to be cared for different than much heavier and older designs. Most damage we see happens during launching and retrieving. Again, if you treat it like a sports car, there isn't much you need to do different than other boats. If you treat it like a daily driver commuter car, you'll find it is a bit more susceptible to dings and dents in that role. In our years of selling them, we've had a handful of boats with issues in the early days, but nothing lately, and no more than most of the other boats that we sell.
Q: Trailer Options?
A: If you have a Seitech or Dynamic Dolly for your boat, the Right On Trailer for the Aero is an economical method. It’s a painted trailer, so, not as durable as a galvanized trailer, but, it works well. https://westcoastsailing.net/right-on-laser-and-sunfish-trailer/
If you are after a custom trailer - the best one available is the Trailex 'Laser' version: https://westcoastsailing.net/trailex-laser-trailer/ When you order it, let us know it's for an Aero, and we swap out the trailer bow piece so it fits the Aero perfectly. Off you go!
Q: Tell me about the 3 sail sizes?
A: There is a 5, 7 and 9 meter option for the Aero. Depending on sailor weight and prevailing wind conditions, one of the three rigs will be most appropriate for you. The boom and top section are interchangeable between all three sail sizes. The only thing that changes is the sail itself, as well as the corresponding lower mast section. The 7 is the most popular, followed by the 9. Probably half of our customers have two rigs so as to have the appropriate sail for a broad range of conditions.
Q: Can I leave the mast up?
A: We have a few customers that do this... and you can, but we don't love it. You'll need to make sure the mast is covered by a canvas protectant of some kind long term, and also that the boat is secured properly to the dolly/dock. We don't recommend it, but a select number of customers do keep their boats this way for convenience.
Q: The Aero looks cool, but might be overkill for me, what is my next best option?
A: If you like everything about the Aero, but are concerned it might be a bit much for you, you'll want to give a hard look to the RS Neo: https://westcoastsailing.net/rs-neo/ It uses similar rigging to the Aero, in a more durable 'institutional' hull that is perfect for leaving on a beach or handing over to aspiring new sailors.
About the RS Aero
The RS Aero is a revolutionary single-handed sailboat renowned for its cutting-edge design, lightweight construction, and exceptional performance. Crafted from high-tech materials like carbon fiber and incorporating a minimalist approach, the RS Aero is both agile and responsive, offering sailors an unmatched experience of speed and maneuverability. Its distinctive features include a modern rigging system and a unique hull shape that optimizes stability and speed. Whether used for competitive racing or recreational sailing, the RS Aero's versatility and ease of handling make it an ideal choice for sailors of various skill levels, solidifying its reputation as a game-changer in the world of dinghy sailing.