The RS Zest is a vibrant and user-friendly sailing dinghy, designed for beginners and recreational sailors, featuring a stable hull, modern rigging, and easy handling to provide an enjoyable on-water experience. West Coast Sailing has all the resources you need to rig, find replacement parts, and enjoy sailing your RS Zest.
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RS Zest Line Lengths:
Description | Length | Diameter | Line Type | Quantity | Recommended Line Options |
Jib Halyard | 16 ft | 5mm | Halyard | 1 | 5mm Robline Sirius 500 |
Mainsheet | 24 ft | 8mm | Sheet | 1 | 8mm Marlow Doublebraid |
Jib Sheet | 19 ft | 6mm | Sheet | 1 | 6mm Marlow Doublebraid |
Vang at Cleat | 3 ft | 4mm | Control Line | 1 | 4mm Samson Amsteel-Blue Dyneema |
Vang at Blocks | 8 ft | 5mm | Control Line | 1 | 5mm Robline Sirius 500 |
Cunningham | 3 ft | 4mm | Control Line | 1 | 4mm Robline Sirius 500 |
Outhaul | 13 ft | 4mm | Control Line | 1 | 4mm Robline Sirius 500 |
Outhaul Take-up | 5 ft | 5mm | Control Line | 1 | 5mm Shockcord |
Vang Boom Block Tie | 2 ft | 3mm | Misc. | 1 | 3mm Robline Dinghy Control |
Centerboard Retainer | 2 ft | 5mm | Misc. | 1 | 5mm Shockcord |
Clew Tie Down | 2 ft | 3mm | Misc. | 1 | 3mm Samson Amsteel-Blue Dyneema |
Hiking Straft Aft | 3 ft | 5mm | Misc. | 1 | 5mm Shockcord |
Hiking Strap Fwd | 2 ft | 5mm | Misc. | 1 | 5mm Shockcord |
Mainsheet Bridle | 4 ft | 4mm | Misc. | 1 | 4mm Robline Sirius 500 |
RS Zest Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the furling work on the Zest, and how does that compare to other boats in its class?
A: Furling on the Zest is super easy. Unclip the vang, easy the outhaul and twist the mast once, twice, three times or as much as you need for the wind and sailor experience levels. Then tension the outhaul, clip the vang back on and off you go. It's one of the easiest furling boats we sell.
Q: The boat has a jib, should I get it?
A: The Zest jib is very popular, but it's also not mandatory here. It's fairly small sized. We suggest if you will sail with a second person, definitely get the jib. If you will be sailing by yourself mostly, and you want a bit more to do. Get it. If you want the ultimate in lazy sailing days - skip it.
Q: This boat has a centerboard, where most other boats this size do not. That seems smart, is it?
A: This is one of the defining features of the boat compared to others like it. Sail right onto a beach, pull it onto a dock or hit something in the water - and the board kicks right back.
Q: Does the boat sit flat on a dock or beach?
A: It does, so, getting into it and out of on the beach or a a dock is really confidence inspiring.
Q: Is it easy for kids to right after a capsize?
A: The Zest has a lot of safety features, including built in grab handles on the underside of the boat. Kids should always be supervised when sailing a new boat the first number of times, but, in general, the Zest is quite easy to flip back over after a capsize.
About the RS Zest
The RS Zest is a lively and approachable sailing dinghy, crafted with a focus on simplicity and enjoyment for sailors of all levels. Boasting a stable hull design, modern rigging, and straightforward controls, the Zest offers a friendly entry point for beginners while delivering an engaging and responsive sailing experience. With its vibrant design and adaptability for both single-handed and double-handed sailing, the RS Zest is a versatile choice for those seeking a light-hearted introduction to the world of sailing or a relaxed day out on the water with friends and family.