The RS Aero Guide

After years of development we believe the RS Aero is the most technically advanced boat in its sector. Which explains why it’s the most exciting and best-selling modern single-hander. And easily handled too. Astonishingly, the RS Aero weighs about the same as an Optimist. That drives everything about its incredible user friendliness through transporting, rigging and launching – before you even experience the addictive sensations afloat. Complex thinking leading to beautiful simplicity – the RS Aero ignites the pure excitement of sailing in its least complicated form. Four rig sizes enable youths, women and guys to enjoy the ride. Already an International Class and winner of the 2019 World Sailing Equipment Trails for the 2024 Men’s and Women’s One Person Dinghy Event, the community is building fast for the most enthusiastic & cometitive sailors. It’s a phenomenon. Join the fun this season!

Please note; the graphic is for guidance only for new sailors, and should not be taken as a rule. It does not take into account sailor ability, water conditions or other factors that may affect your safety.

The RS Aero offers four interchangeable rig sizes – 5, 6, 7 and 9 – allowing sailors to match their sail area to both their body weight and the wind strength. Choosing the right rig is key to getting the best performance from the boat, ensuring you have enough power to be fast while maintaining control and comfort on the water. As a general rule, lighter sailors and stronger winds call for a smaller rig, while heavier sailors and lighter winds benefit from a larger sail. The guide shows the recommended combinations of crew weight and wind speed to help you find the most suitable setup. The aim is always to sail the boat flat and efficiently, with enough power to keep moving without becoming overpowered.


The featherweight RS Aero with its responsive light rig makes the versatility sailors enjoy by having choice akin to selecting the sail size on a windsurf. That is no surprise when you consider the RS Aero's all up weight is midway between similar type sailing dinghies and windsurfs.

• More fun - the right sail size for the current conditions
• More participation - both starting and finishing in more marginal race conditions
• More safety - leaving more safety boat resource available for others

It is important to remember - rig choice is not just a function of weight and wind, but also of ability, fitness, local conditions, exposure and attitude too!

The RS Aero 5 is the smallest rig and is best suited to lighter sailors or heavier winds. It provides excellent control when conditions are strong and gusty, and is typically the preferred choice for sailors under around 60 kg in most conditions, or for heavier sailors when the wind increases above 20 knots.

The RS Aero 6 is a versatile all-round option for medium-weight sailors, offering a balance between power and handling. It is well suited to sailors in the mid-weight range and performs particularly well in moderate wind strengths, making it a popular choice for club sailing and mixed conditions.

The RS Aero 7 is designed for medium to heavier sailors who want strong performance in light to moderate winds. It provides more power than the 6 without becoming difficult to manage too quickly, making it ideal for sailors looking to stay competitive as the breeze builds.

The RS Aero 9 delivers maximum sail area and is intended for heavier sailors or lighter wind conditions. It comes into its own when the breeze is light, helping maintain speed and momentum, and is typically the preferred rig for sailors at the upper end of the weight range and an excellent choice for sheltered waters.

Ultimately, selecting the right rig allows you to stay balanced, efficient and in control across a wide range of conditions. If you find yourself consistently overpowered, moving down a rig size will improve handling. If you are struggling to maintain speed in lighter winds, moving up a size will provide the extra power you need. The flexibility of the RS Aero rig system ensures sailors of all weights can enjoy high-performance sailing, whatever the conditions.

Below is a video example of how to car roof top your RS Aero. Easy to Transport and Rig, FUN to sail!

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