LDC Racing Saliboats RS Vision User manual

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OWNER’SMANUAL
LDCRacingSailboats,TrafalgarClose, ChandlersFord.EastleighSO534BW,England
Tel. [phone]Fax.[phone]

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CONTENTS
1.INTRODUCTION
2.SPECIFICATIONSAND DRAWINGS
3.SAFETYINFORMATION
3.1DesignCategory
3.2Loading
3.3SafetyEquipment
3.4CapsizeRecovery
3.5AirTank
3.6Man OverboardPreventionandRecovery
3.7Useofan OutboardEngine
3.8Towing,Anchoring,MooringandTrailing
4.COMMISSIONING
4.1Preparation
4.2Unpacking
4.3RiggingtheMast
4.4Stepping the Mast
4.5RiggingtheSpinnakerHalyard
4.6RiggingtheBoom
4.7Hoisting the Jib
4.8TheRudder
4.9Hoisting the Mainsail
4.10 RiggingtheSpinnaker
4.11 Completion
5.SAILINGHINTS
5.1Introduction
5.2Launching
5.3Leavingthe beach
5.4SailingClose-Hauledand Tacking
5.5Downwind and Gybing
5.6Using the Spinnaker
5.7Reefing

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6.MAINTENANCE
7.1Boat Care
7.2Foil Care
7.3SparCare
7.4SailCare
7.WARRANTY

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1.INTRODUCTION
Congratulationsonthepurchaseofyournew RSVision andthankyoufor
choosinganRSproduct.Weareconfident that you will havemanyhoursof
greatsailingandracinginthistruly excellent design.
TheRSVisionisanexcitingboattosail andoffersfantasticperformance.This
manualhasbeen compiled tohelpyouoperateyourRSVisionwithsafetyand
pleasure. Itcontainsdetailsofthe craft; theequipment suppliedorfitted, its
systemsand informationon itssafeoperationandmaintenance. Pleaseread
itcarefully andbesurethat you understand itscontentsbeforeusingyourRS
Vision.
Thismanualisnotacourseon boating safetyorseamanship. If thisisyour
firstboat,oryouarechangingtoatypeof craft you arenot familiarwith, for
yourownsafetyand comfort,pleaseensurethat you haveadequate
experiencebeforeassuming command of thecraft.If you areunsure,your
dealerornationalsailingfederation (the RoyalYachting Association)will be
abletoadviseyouofalocalsailing school, orcompetent instructor.
Pleasekeepthismanualinasecureplace and handitoverto thenew
ownerifyouselltheboat.
Forfurtherinformation,sparesandaccessories, pleasecontactyour
localdealeror:
LDC RacingSailboats
TrafalgarClose
ChandlersFord
Eastleigh
HantsSO534BW
Tel.[phone]
Fax.[phone]
Email. [e-mail]

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ECDECLARATIONOFCONFORMITY TO
DIRECTIVE 94/25/CE
Ideclarethat thecraft describedas:
RSVision
Bearingthe HullIdentification Number:
G B L D C X
Sail No.____________
Conformsto EU RecreationalCraft Directive94/25/EC
Annex1–sections3.2&3.3andAnnex6–ModuleA
ModuleA–InternalProduction Control–Self-assessment.
ISOStandards BS ENISO10087, 12217,12215, 10240,
14945,8666
TradeMarqueRSRacing
TypeRSVision
Design CategoryC
MaximumCrew4
MaximumLoad320kg
Overall Length4.55mOverall beam 1.75m
BuildersNameLDC RacingSailboats
TrafalgarClose, ChandlersFord,
Hampshire,England.
Date__ / __/__
(The datedoesnot indicatethe dateofmanufacture)
SignedName: ____________________
Position:___________________
Signature:_________________

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2. SPECIFICATIONSANDDRAWINGS
Identification.
YourRSVisioncan beidentifiedbytwonumbers, one isthe sailnumberand
theotheristhe HullIdentificationNumber.
Thesailnumberisthenumberbywhichyou registeryourRSVision with
insurancecompanies, theclass associationandalsowhen yousign onfor
events.Not only isthesailnumberonthemainsail itself; it isalsoprinted on
theport sideofthe transom.
TheHullIdentification Number, orHIN,isrequiredbyEuropeanlaw. Every
newboat soldshoulddisplayaHIN toshowthat it meetsalltheguidelinesset
bytheEuropeancommunityandissafetouseup totheconditionsmentioned
in3.1DesignCategory. YourRSVisioncomplieswithEuropean lawto
categoryC (explainedlater) andhencedisplaysaHINwhichisimprintedon
thestarboardsideof thetransom.
TheHIN ispurely toshowthat yourRSVisionmeetsEuropean regulation,
andthereforeshouldbe referredtobyitssailnumber.
Dimensions.
LengthOverall(LOA): 4.55m 15’0”
Beam: 1.75m 5’9”
HullWeight: 130kg lb
ReefingMainsail: m² sqft
3BattenMainsail: m² sqft
Jib: m² sqft
Spinnaker: m² sqft

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3. SAFETYINFORMATION
Personalpreparationand owner’sresponsibility.
Beforeattempting tooperatetheboat,ensurethat youhaveappropriate
experiencetohandletheboat safely intheanticipatedseaandwind
conditions, andthatall the crewhavesufficient boating experienceandthat
theyarefamiliarwithemergencyprocedures(man overboardrecovery,
towing).
Alwayschecktheweatherforecastbeforeleaving shore,and ensurethat the
predictedweatherand seaconditionsaresuitablefortheboat (see3.1).
clothingshouldbesuitableforthe anticipated weatherconditionsand
footwearappropriateforboating.
Beforegoingafloat,all personsshouldbewearing asuitablebuoyancyaid
(lifejacketorpersonalfloatationdevice), whichshouldbewornat all time
whenonthewater. Notethat insomecountriesit isalegalrequirementto
wearabuoyancyaidthatcomplieswiththeirnationalregulationsat alltimes.
Itisrecommended thatyoucarryawhistleorhorntoattract attentionincase
outside assistanceisrequired.
Theowner/operatorisresponsibleforthesafeoperationof the boat. His/her
responsibilitiesincludeproperlypreparingandmaintainingtheboat andsafety
equipment, knowledgeof theboat operation,safetytraining of thecrew,
following the navigationrules(includingknowledgeof the Collision
Regulationsandlocalnavigationrules),careof theenvironment,insurance
andwherenecessaryregistration.

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3.1Design Category.
TheRSVisionisaDesign CategoryC boat. Thedefinitionofthiscategoryis:
• DesignCategory:C –‘inshore’
• Descriptionof Use:Designed forvoyagesincostalwaters, large
bays, estuaries, lakesand rivers.
• Wind Force:Upto, and includingBeaufort force6.
• SignificantWaveHeight:upto,andincluding2m.
TheRSVisioncomplieswiththisdesign category, subject to:
• Thecrewhavingsuitableskilland experience.
• Satisfactoryconstructionandmaintenanceofthe boat andits
equipment.
Usersof thisboat areadvisedthat:
• Allcrewshouldreceivesuitabletraining.
• Theboatshouldnotcarrymorethanthemaximumload.
• Anywaterinthehullshouldbe kept toaminimum.
• Stabilityisreducedbyanyweight addedhigh up.
3.2Loading.
TheRSVisionisdesigned tobesailedbynomorethan 4people. Howeverit
isrecommendedthat you do not exceedthemaximumloading of 320kg,
includinganyequipment addedtothe basicrigged boat, e.g.ananchor. To
enabletheboat toberighted safelythe minimumrecommended crewweight
is60 kg.

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Allthecrewandequipment shouldbeevenly distributedtoensurethat the
boat isupright andapproximately level. Heavyitems, suchasan anchor,
shouldbesecurelyfixed toavoidmovementwhenunderway.
3.3SafetyEquipment.
Itisyourresponsibilitytoensurethatallnecessarysafetyequipmentis
obtainedforthetypeof sailingyou areparticipating inandit isreadily
accessibleonboardwhiletheboat isinoperation.
HINT
Werecommendthat you sailinalocation wherethereisadequaterescue
cover,shouldyougetintoanydifficulty, especially whilstlearningtosailyour
newboat.
3.4CapsizeRecovery.
NomatterhowstableandsecureyourRSVision feelsonthewater, acapsize
willbeinevitable.Properlyhandledacapsizecan be funanddefinitely not
something toworryabout.Likeeverythingit is best topracticeon aquieter
day,andpreferablywithasafetyboat tohand.
Recovery technique.
Astheboatcapsizes,youshouldendeavourtofall cleanly intothe water,
tryingtoavoidcatchingsheetsortoestrapsasyou fall. Youshouldinitially
ensurethat:
1.Ifyouareusingthespinnakerthat itisfullyrecovered inthechute.
2.Themainandjibsheetsarebothuncleated.

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WARNING
Iftheboathascapsized“on top”ofyou,or“towindward”as itis
known, thereismorechanceoftheboatinverting andyoushould
ensurethatyou andyourcrewarewell clearastheboatfullyinverts.
Ifaresailingwithacrew, heorsheshouldfloat inbetween the cockpit and the
boom, awaitinginstructionsfromthehelm.Then youshouldproceedround to
thetransomwherethe rightinglineisstowed.Unclipthe“high side”righting
line,andkeep holdofit asyouproceedaroundtheruddertothe centreboard
area. If theboat hasinverted therighting lineiseasiertolocate.
If theboathas inverted:
Therighting linewillhelpyouclimbontothehullif it isinverted,it beingbestto
usethe lineacross thehull. Stand ontheunderneathof the gunwhale(now
facing upwards),adjacenttothe centreboard,wherethereisagrippysurface
forfeetorknees.Pullontherightingline fromacrosstheupturnedhullandas
theboatstartstocomebackup trytoworkyourwayupthehulland ontothe
centreboard,asitcomeshorizontal.Donot worryifyouareunabletodoso.
If theboatis on its side:
Holdtherighting lineashigh up asyou can, andbraceyourfeet againstthe
hull,andpull.The boat willstart tocomeupright, andasitdoesworkyour
handsuptherightingline towardsthe gunwhale.
WARNING
Ifthemastislyingintothe windas youpull ituptheboatwill flipup
quicklyandyou shouldbeawaretoworkyourwayup therighting lineto
thegunwhaleabitquicker.

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Oncetheboat isuprightand youareinthe waterholdingtherightingline,you
caneitherusetherightinglineasasteptopushyourselfup, grab the toestrap
andhaulyourself inorgoaround tothetransomand climbinoverthere. To
makethis easier,ifsailingwithacrewtheyshouldbescooped upintothe
cockpit astheboat isrighted(the“scoopmethod”).Onceintheboat thecrew
canassist thehelmtoget backonboard.
Ifyoudidmanage toget ontothe centreboardasthe boatcameup fromfull
inversion, orifyouwerenimbleenoughtohop overontothe boardasthe boat
capsized,thenitisasimplecaseof pulling onthe line(orjust thegunwhaleif
you areheavyenough),and hopping inastheboat comesupright. “Sprawling
in”isoften amoreaccurateterm, but theneteffect isthatyou end up inthe
boat without falling backintothewater! Effectingthe“dry”capsize, whereyou
manage tohoponthe boardasyougo overandthen backintothe boat asit
comesupright istheultimategoalthatwillcomewithpractice!
Gettinggoing again:
Onceyou arebackaboardyouwillfind the waterquicklydrainsout the
transomordownthecentreboardcase. Itisworthtaking timetosortyourself
out, clippingtherighting line(s)backonat thetransom, and securingthemin
thenotchjust belowthegunwhaleatthetransomcorner.Congratulationsona
successfulrecovery!
3.5AirTank.
TheRSVisionisequippedwithasealed buoyancycompartmentjust incase
ofcapsizeorswamping. Thebuoyancycompartment isformedbythehull and
deckmouldingsand consequently thefollowing pointsshouldbenoted:
! Donot puncturethebuoyancycompartment.
! Shouldthebuoyancy compartment becomepunctured, do notuse
theboatuntil thecompartmentisproperlyrepaired.Ifinany
doubt,contactRSRacingforrepairdetails.

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! Itisagainstclass rulestoaddanyfittings;you mayhave to
replacefittingsfromtimetotime. Ensurethatall fasteningsare
resealedproperlyusing anappropriatesealant.Ifinanydoubt,
contactRSRacingfordetails.
3.6Man OverboardPreventionand Recovery.
Working deck.
Theworkingdeckof the RSVision,whichisintended tobeoccupiedwhen the
boat isafloat, isthe areascoveredwithanoneslipcoating (asseen inpicture
3.1). Theseareasare:
• Theentirecockpitfloor,including kick-blocksanddaggerboardcase,
fromtheaft enduptothe mast foot.
• Thetopsurfaceand outsideedge of thesidedeckfromtheaftendto
therecess fortheshroudpoints.
• Thecentralthwartcanalsobeusedasaplacetosit. Itisnot
recommendedthat thisisused assomewheretostand asit doesnot
haveanon-sliptextureandmaybe slippery.
Picture3.1Workingdeckarea

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Crew overboardrecovery.
TheRSVisionisdesigned tobesailedbyuptofourpeople.However, itcan
besailedsingle-handed.If sailingaloneit isrecommended that youensure
adequatesafetycoverisinattendancebeforelaunching.
Shouldyoufall overboard, whilstsailingalone,the boat willsoon capsize
allowing youtoswimtoit andfollowtherightingfromcapsizeprocedures
previously mentionedinthismanual.
Torecoveracrewmemberfromthe water:
• Thehelmshouldbring the boat just downwindof thepersoninthe
water.
• Thehelmshouldbalancetheboat, using acombinationof bodyweight
movement and sailpressure.
• Thecrewshouldboardtheboatviathe windwardgunwalewiththe
helpof anothermemberof thecrew. Oritmaybeeasiertoboardover
thetransomusing the reartoestrap tohelppull yourselfin.
HINT
Bycompleting arecognised sailinginstruction course, youwilllearnhowto
recoveramanoverboardquickly andeffectively. Werecommendattendinga
sailingcourseifyouhavenot alreadydone so.
3.7Useof anOutboardEngine.
TheRSVisionhasbeendesignedforusewithan outboard, providing:
• The specificRSVision outboardbracket kit hasbeenfittedasperthe
instructionssuppliedinthekit.
• The outboardmotordoesnotexceed2.5hp.

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Itisthe responsibilityof thehelmtoensurethesafeuseof anyoutboard
motorfitted. If indoubt adequatetraining shouldbe soughtfromthedealeror
recognisedsailinginstitution.
3.8Towing, Anchoring, Mooringand Trailing.
Towing.
ShoulditbecomenecessarytotowyourRSVision, you shouldfollowthe
procedurebelow:
• Securethetowinglinearoundthe tackbar. Oralternatively passthe
towing linethroughthejibtackshackleandthen tiesecurelyaround
themastasclosetodecklevelaspossible.
• Lowerorfurlallthesails.
• Fully raisethe centreboard.
• Stayat thetiller.Inthe eventof rudderloss,sitwell aft.
Anchoring.
TheRSVisioncan beanchoredforshort periodsof time.If anchoringisgoing
tobe attempted,thenwerecommend attendingasailing coursetolearnhow
toanchorsafely.
IfyoudowishtoanchoryourRSVision, theanchorline shouldbesecured
round the tackbar, oralternatively passthe towinglinethroughthejibtack
shackleandthen tiesecurelyaround the mastasclosetodecklevelas
possible. The sailsshouldbelowered orsecurely stowed and the rudderand
centreboardshouldberaised completely.
REMEMBER
Ananchorisaheavypieceof equipment soyou must ensurethat you arenot
overloadingyourVisionandthat it issecurely stowedtoprevent itdamaging
theboatoryou!

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Mooring.
TheRSVisioncan bemooredonabuoyorapontoon forshortperiods.When
mooring onabuoy,ensurethe mooringline is securelyfastenedtothe tack
bar.
Whenmooringalong sideapontoon, amooringline canbeattachedtotack
barandaroundtheaftendof the reartoestraps. Alwaysremembertouse
somepadding betweenyourVision andthe object youaremooring against!
Trailing.
TheRSVisioncan betrailedbehindthe majorityofcars.When trailing your
RSVisionyou shouldonlyusean approved trolleyand road base. Tying down
theboattoitstrailerisimportantbecausetoo muchortoolittletensioncould
result indamage. Followtheinstructionsbelowforsafetrailing:
• Ensuretheboat islocated correctlyonthetrolley,withthe gunwale
supportsup underthe gunwalesand the bowlocatedinthe bow
snubberof thetrolley.
• Ensurethetrolleyisproperlylocated on theroadbaseand the
retainingpinisfitted.
• Tietheboat downtothe trailerat the bowandacross themiddle.You
only needtoapply sufficient tensiontoholdtheboat incontact withthe
trolleysupports. Usepaddingmaterialwhereanystrapstouchthe
deck.
HINT
Itisalwaysagood ideatotietheboatdownwhenitisleftinthe dinghy
compoundtopreventanydamagetoyouboat, oranyother,intheevent of
strongwinds.

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4.COMMISSIONING
4.1Preparation.
YourRSVisioncomescompletewithallthecomponentsnecessarytotake
theboatsailing. Inordertocommissionit, youwillneedthefollowingtools:
• Pliersorashacklekey.
• Small, flat bladedscrewdriver.
• PVC (electricians)tape.
You mayrequireothertoolslater,shouldyou wishtomakeanysettingsor
tuningadjustmentstothe boatandrig.
DONOTuseaknifeorothersharpobjecttocutthroughpackaging
containing parts–youmay damagethecontents!
Whilst yourRSVision hasbeencarefullyprepared,it isimportant that new
ownersshouldcheckshacklesand knotsaretight. Thisisespecially important
whentheboat isnew, astravelling can loosenseeminglytight fittingsand
knots. Itisalsoimportant toregularlychecksuchitemspriortosailing.
4.2Unpacking.
HavingunpackedyourRSVision youshouldcheckthatyouhavealltheitems
listedbelowandinpicture4.1andpicture4.2beforethrowing awayanyofthe
packingastheremaybe somesmall itemsstill wrapped.
• 1xRSVisionhull.
• 1xmast.
• 1xboom.
• 1xgnavbar.
• 1xrudder.

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• 1xrudderstock, withtillerextension.
• 1xmainsail.
• 1xjib.
• 1xspinnaker.
• 1xrope pack–consisting of:
o 1xmainsheet.
o 1xjib sheet.
o 1xspinnakersheet.
o 1xrudderdownhauland block.
Picture4.1–Vision equipment.
Picture4.2–Vision ropepack

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4.3Riggingthe mast.
Tocompletethis sectionyouwillrequire:
• Themast
• Aflat bladed screwdriver.
Fitting thespreaders.
Itisworthtaking timeoverthispart toensureit is correctly completed.
Improperly fittedspreaderswill result instrangesailingcharacteristicsand
mayevenresult infailureofthe mast.
1.Carefullyunpackthespreadersfromthetopofthe mast, being surenot
todamageanyof thesecuring splitrings.
2.Unwindtheshroudsandforestayfromaroundthe mast andunwrap
fromthepackaging.
3.Tofitthe spreaders,refertotable4.1belowand tothe following page
astohowtoandwheretofitthe pins.
4.Finally,tapeupallthe securingpinsand ringstoprevent themfrom
beingdamaged ordamagingthespinnaker.
Class BracketConnectionPin OuterEnd
Primary Adjuster End cappos’n Wire Dia. Visible Holes
RSVision Aft 1A FWD 3.0mm 1
Table4.1Spreaderpinpositions.
Nowthemast isreadytobeput up inthe boat, or stepped.
REMEMBER
Checkthat bothendsofthemainhalyard,jibhalyardand spinnakerhalyard
aretiedoff atthebottomendofthe mastsotheyarewithineasyreachwhen
themastisstepped.

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VernierAdjustSpreaderInstructions 595-478-E
Date:16-03-25
Attachment of Spreader.
PrimaryPin: Fit down throughthe bracket’sprimaryhole and theFwdorAft
spreaderhole as required.
Adjuster Pin:Fitdownthrough ahole 1 to4,and throughAtoC or through ahole 5 to 7,
and throughDtoE.
Pleasesee thetable onthe previouspage forthe specific positions.
SpreaderEnds
SpreaderEnd Cap:
The spreader end capincorporates twoshroud wire slotstogive a tightgrip on either 2.5 or 3mm wire.The
sizesareidentified onthe frontfaceofthe endcap(Seediagramabove). To find whichwire slot you
requireforyour mast, please seethetablebelow.
The end cap canalso be rotated sothat theshroud can be positionedat eitherthe forward oraft positionof
thespreader end (seediagramabove).To find outwhichpositionisrequiredfor yourmast,please seethe
table below.
To attachtheshroud, slackenthe end screw,rotate the end clampifnecessary, then insert the shroud.
Ensure that theshroud is tensioned betweenT-Terminaland spreadertip,thentightenthe screwfirmly.
This method “locksin”the dihedral angle.
LengthAdjustment:
The position is describedbythe numberofadjustmentholesvisible (e.g.In the diagramabovethere are1
½holesvisible). Please see the tablebelow for your class specific positions.
Security
All clevis pins mustbe fittedwiththe flathead on top, andlocked witha split ring. Tapeallsplitrings,pins
and the outboardend of the spreader extrusion.This willreduce chafeonthemainsail and preventflailing
sails/halyards becoming damaged.
Self-amalgamating tapeis best,but pvc electricaltapeisan adequate alternative.
B
C
D
A
E
Fwd
Forward position
Aft position
2.5 3.0
Rotate as
necessary
(see Table)
Aft

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4.4Steppingthemast.
Beforesteppingthemast, makesyourself familiarwithhowthe“foot”(bottom
end)ofthemastwill fit intothe“step”(fittedto the boat).
Themastfoothastworectangularblockson the bottom,separated bya
groove. Boththeseblockswillfitbetween the blockat thefrontof the mast
stepandtheboltatthe back(seepicture4.3and4.4).
Picture4.3Themaststep andfoot.
Picture4.4Themastfootcorrectlylocated.
Itiseasiertostepthemast withtwopeople, howeverit can bedonesingle-
handed.Wewillshowyou both methods.