RS VENTURE CONNECT

parasail Concept The RS Venture is a stable, spacious and seaworthy dinghy that has quickly exceeded training centre and recreational sailors’ expectations around the world.

A keelboat version, the RS Venture Connect, was in our minds from its outset and, as soon as word spread about the keel development project, the para sailing community began talking to us about making the boat work for them. They wanted a modern, well thought out, reliable and exciting boat, from a trusted supplier who could offer defined lead times and efficient, ongoing back-up.

Our goal became to design the RS Venture Keel to enable the boat to be regularly used

in either standard or para sailing mode – to create a versatile boat that can be switched between modes quickly and easily, even between sailing sessions. Making the mode change a simple operation presented a design and engineering challenge that our technical team quickly embraced.

RS Venture Keel specification

Standard

Sailability

Some owners will permanently use their boats in para sailing mode – but for other sailing centres the potential for dual modes will enable them to add or increase opportunities within their programmes. No matter which sailing mode, the RS Venture Connect brings user friendly, exhilarating sailing in a good looking and great value boat to virtually all sailors. Everyone agrees – the RS Venture Connect is a game-changer.

Mainsail

9.0m2 95ft2

7.3m2 77ft2

Jib

7.4m2 41ft2

3.4m2 36ft2

Assymetric spinnaker

14.0m2 150ft2

11.0m2 115ft2

Mast

Aluminium alloy

Boom

Aluminium alloy

Designer

Phil Morrison

Length

4.9m

16’ 4”

Beam

2.0m

6’ 8”

Hull & keel weight

298kg 655lb

Hull construction

Polyester GRP composite

Keel

Vertical lifting – aluminium alloy fin – lead bulb

Rudder blade

GRP composite – pivoting

Rudder stock

Aluminium alloy

Tiller

Aluminium alloy

“...the same boat can genuinely be used for able bodied sailing in the morning and then set up for seated parasailing use in the afternoon...”

Hull & Deck The RS Venture Connect uses the same hull as the standard Venture. Its contemporary wide beam, carried well aft to the transom, gives enormous form stability and a spacious cockpit capable of carrying multiple sailors in comfort.

The deck has also been designed to accept the a range of para sailing equipment – with space for twin side-by-side seats which promote easy communication between sailors in a way that in-line seats cannot achieve. The design also enables a central sheets and control-lines console to plug in.

Moderate freeboard provides seaworthiness and a comfortably dry ride in open water.

A purpose designed deck for the RS Venture Keel incorporates an integral keel case and mounting position for the removable keel hoist. Side decks are wider to allow the boat to heel further before water enters the cockpit and the floor is higher and self drains through transom tubes – shedding spray when sailing and rain water if the boat is stored afloat.

A large stowage locker has been incorporated under the aft deck, with spray-resistant lid.

Keel The keel lifts vertically using an aluminium alloy post with a simple, hand operated winch. The post slots into a receiving tube incorporated in the deck moulding, so it can be instantly deployed when launching and 2

then removed for sailing. The post can be stowed within the aft locker.

Keel construction uses a lead torpedo bulb at the bottom of an extruded aluminium alloy keel fin – simple, strong and effective with the weight concentrated low down to generate maximum righting moment for minimum draft. When fully down, a locking strap prevents the keel lifting in the unlikely event of a knock-down.

Para Sailing Equipment Options A variety of equipment options allow the RS Venture Connect to be sailed by virtually anyone. Seats can be mounted in the middle of the cockpit and control lines / sheets are brought close by. Manual or electronic steering gives full rudder control from the seats.

This equipment has been designed for Plug & Play installation, once originally fitted.

It can then be quickly added or removed, allowing the mode of the Venture Connect

to be changed to suit the sailors. So the same boat can genuinely be used for able bodied sailing in the morning (with 2 to 7 crew) and then set up for seated para sailing use in the afternoon.

Standard spars – Specialist sails Aluminium alloy has been selected for the RS Venture spar construction due to its cost effective durability. The boom is equipped for mainsail slab reefing.

The para equipment options can be specified when the boat is ordered, or can be added at a later date, with relatively basic boat fit-out skills and tools required.

A reduced area “Storm” mainsail and jib are strongly recommended for use with the Para Seats. Their smaller areas compensate for the reduced leverage when the crew sat close to the centreline, rather than on the side decks.

These sails will undoubtedly also prove useful in many centres for strong wind use on a standard boat.

Single Centreline or Twin Side-by Side Seats • Moulded GRP seats - adjustable fore and aft to suit sailor size – quick-lock track system • Designed to provide significant lateral support as the boat heels • Seat mounting platform can also accept custom seats

Foot bars • Plug-in aluminium alloy foot bars • Quick-lock adjustment for leg length Manual Joystick Steering • Twin joysticks – one in front of each seat • Removable sticks for ease of access to the seats • Simple steering control lines for connection to the rudder stock Electronic Joystick or Sip / Puff Steering • Purpose designed for the RS Venture Connect and highly responsive

The jib has a furler with the furling line led to the centre controls console. Both sails are constructed from durable Dacron fabric.

Centre Sheets & Controls console • Brings sheets and all key controls within reach of the seats • Adjustable for height and reach

The optional Asymmetric Gennaker Pack offers exciting downwind sailing, making the most of the RS Venture’s modern design and rewarding performance potential.

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parasail RS Venture Connect Options • Para sailing equipment as listed above • Storm mainsail and jib • Asymmetric gennaker pack • Top cover • Launching trolley • Road trailer • Rubber gunwale fendering • Alloy keel band • Outboard motor transom wear pads • Transom boarding ladder • Antifouling paint below the waterline

RS Sailing Premier Way, Abbey Park Romsey, Hampshire SO51 9DQ United Kingdom

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