Our Boats - General
We have a number of different boats that are designed to meet the varying needs and abilities of our sailors. Whether it be sailing solo, or dual with an instructor, or as a crew member, our boats have been selected to be stable in the water and as practical as possible to get in and out of.
If you know anything about sailing then you may understand that traditonally when a boat 'tacks' the crew have to move from one side of the boat to another. With our boats there is no need for this - once seated you stay seated!
Hansa Fleet
The Hansa fleet has 3 types of boat: the 2.3, the 303 and the Liberty. Depending on the boat, they are either 1 or 2 person boats and can be fitted with electric controls to help set the sail and /or steer.
These all are fantastic boats that can give novice sailors and experienced sailors a great experience whether you’re cruising or racing. The 303 in particular is a great boat for learning to sail with the student sitting alongside the instructor
Multi-Hulls
The Challenger is a well-established competitive boat at national and international levels. This is the boat to sail if you prefer fast and exciting times afloat.
Electric control of the sail is available on one boat and a 'Buddy Seat' for an instructor can also be fitted.
Click here for news of our latest Challenger 'Thunderball'.
RS Venture SCS
The SCS stands for Seated Control System - all steering and sail setting can be done from the seated position.
These are keel boats that are normally sailed with 2 rigid seats for side by side sailing often with an instructor in one of the seats. This makes them great boats for teaching or for a 'Try Sail' trip around the lake.
One of our Ventures can be operated with an electric joystick for steering and they both can be set up with a spinnaker for more speed and exhilaration!
Kinsman
The Kinsman keel boat provides a great opportunity for groups of up to 6 (including the crew) to enjoy sailing together. Depending on need, the boat can be helmed using a traditional tiller or with a steering wheel. The Kinsman sails with a large mainsail and a similarly large genoa.
Hawk 20
The Hawk is similar in size to the Kinsman, but experiences less heel when sailing upwind due to well-positioned ballast. It is helmed using a traditional tiller. The Hawk has a large mainsail but smaller jib. When rigged, a symmetric spinnaker can also be deployed.
Drascombe Longboat
We have 2 Drascombe Longboats which can carry up to 6 people on board. The Longboats are very popular with those who do not want, or are unable, to actively participate in sailing a boat. In particular our Special Needs members can sail with their carers and enjoy a secure and safe sailing environment.
With plenty of space for a number of passengers, everyone is able to enjoy the sensation of sailing.
In 2012 RS was honoured to be invited to represent Rutland and sail our Longboat in the
Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant.
SKUD 18
A number of Rutland Sailability members have set up a charity “Rutland SKUDS” to protect and promote the sailing of the SKUD 18. This boat is an exciting challenge for disabled sailors and able bodied sailors alike and is sailed with two sailors seated on the centreline. The boat has been designed from a performance basis, to offer scintillating, crisp and snappy response to sailors regardless of their mobility. They were used in Paralympic Competition from 2008 to 2016.
Safety Boats
At Rutland Sailability, the safety of our members is our top priority. Whenever we are sailing we will always have at least one of our Safety Boats on the water, manned to assist sailors that may get into difficulty. The crews for these boats have received additional training so that they can assist those in difficulty.
