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RS Cat 14XL: 2019 Beach Cat

• By Dave Reed
• Updated: December 27, 2018

When the time comes for Boat of the Year judge Chuck Allen to test the RS Cat 14XL, he jumps on board and quickly organizes ropes and control lines before cinching the chin strap of his goofy hat with a long neck flap. He pushes off from the Highfield RIB and looks upwind for the next big gust. The catamaran’s tall heavy-duty mainsail fills, and he leans forward, snugs the jib sheet and jets away, with rooster tails spitting from the roto-molded transoms of the catamaran. Soon, the weather hull is skimming above the surface and the boat is in perfect balance. Flying along at speed with ease and grace, Allen’s cap flap is streaming behind his head. He’s perched in the weather hull’s concave seat, comfy and cruising with a cool-guy cat-sailor pose.

He’s digging the experience, as is RS Sailing representative and professional cat sailor Todd Riccardi, who says the $11,000 RS Cat 14XL is a recreational beach cat that’s not just for youth sailors. It’s big fun for big kids too. “It has a sweet groove upwind,” Allen says. “For a 14-foot roto-molded boat, it really hums along. I had no problem climbing to weather once it got going, and when you get the weight in the right place, the weather hull just skimming, it’s really fast.”

Recreational sailing is RS Sailing’s wheelhouse, so much of the design and hardware consideration went toward making the RS Cat 14 a versatile platform to start with. The standard boat has a main and jib, and the XL brings a spinnaker, trapezes and a lot more sizzle. Its wave-piercing bows work excellent in short chop, so it’s a forgiving ride, and an aluminum spreader bar prevents the bows from flexing, a problem common to catamarans. If there’s one thing to be said of the boat, Stewart says, it’s that it’s stiff. Integration of the crossbeams and reinforcements at load-bearing locations in the hulls keeps it all tight.

Rigging the boat and handling the sail controls is child’s play. With a single-line hoist for the spinnaker, you simply pull the halyard a few times, and up it goes. Same in reverse. Simple 2-to-1 jib sheets, spinnaker sheets and a 6-to-1 cunningham will keep a forward crew entertained while the skipper has a mainsheet and traveler led from the aft beam.

The traveler can essentially be left alone, Allen says, because fun is apparent-wind sailing. With the Cat 14XL, you’ll be sailing higher angles, so you can set and forget it — most of the time. Judge Tom Rich learned this on his first go. Downwind, in strong breeze, if you ease the main too far, bad things happen. Things like pitch-poles. “If you ease the main too much downwind, it pressures the top of the sail and encourages a pitch-pole,” Riccardi says.

After being plucked from the water, Rich confesses that his “epic capsize” only happened because he was hot-dogging for his fellow judges.

“It’s a fun boat to sail,” he says. “I think I had it going upwind pretty good, with the hull up and going really fast. It feels great. But downwind, I struggled to find a comfortable place to drive and trim the chute at the same time. With practice, I’m sure I would be much better. It’s well laid out, easy to sail and peppy enough in the light winds.

Rich’s capsize recovery, however, is a challenge for the team’s senior judge. He douses the spinnaker from the water, climbs on board and hangs like hell on the righting line, with no avail. The flotation pod at the top of the aluminum mast is doing its job, preventing the boat from turtling. He tries righting it several times more before resorting to sliding back into the water and swimming the bows into the wind. Problem solved.

When it’s his turn, Allen keeps the boat upright, and only ­relinquishes the helm when forced to do so. “I can see someone going out and sailing this boat all day long,” he says. “When it’s windy, you’re going to want to sail it all day long, just sending it. Even with just the main and jib, it’s plenty fast. You really don’t even need to hike, so you don’t have to work hard to go fast. Just play the sail, lock it in and fly hull.”

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RS Cat 14 XL - For sailing clubs or families

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• Builder : RS Sailing
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Known as a specialist in smaller sailing dinghies, British manufacturer RS Sailing has recently launched a range of light catamarans aimed at sailing school or family use. For the moment, there are two models. Nicolas Honor, the brand’s importer in France, gave us a demonstration of the smaller (and most recent) of the two, the RS Cat 14, in its XL version.

Test location: Saint-Pierre-Quiberon, France Conditions: Westerly wind of 10 to 15 knots, sea state slight

Though RS Sailing’s catamaran range is currently limited to the RS Cat 16 and 14, these two models have clearly managed to establish themselves as one of the players in the sports multihull business; this manufacturer who traditionally specialized in sailing dinghies has simply applied the rules that have made their monohull models so successful – build quality, attractive design, competitive prices. In fact, RS Sailing has been able to convince many sailing clubs to build an RS Cat fleet. The 16 is perfectly suited for two adults, while the 14, and this is the one we’re taking a look at today, is more suited to children. However, the RS Cat 14 has significant volume, as it is able to support a crew totaling 790 lbs (360 kg). Compared that to the maximum load of 350 lbs (160 kg) for a Hobie Cat 14. While we’re on the subject of comparisons, we can note here the heritage of the Dart 16 as for the anti-leeway plan: the undersid...

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Welcome to RS Marine Group. We design, manufacture and distribute boats (leisure, racing and commercial). Our products are enjoyed worldwide by individuals, sailing schools, race teams, and businesses.

RS Marine Group includes RS Sailing, RS Electric Boats, Cheetah Marine and Ocean Play. The group makes over 35 boats, including the distinctive RS Aero, RS Feva, Pulse 63, Cheetah Catamarans, and the classic Pico, among others.

Our key drivers include sustainability, accessibility and world-class products.

We pride ourselves on retaining our small-business personal style while delivering our world-leading sustainable strategies.

RS Sailing was born from a passion to use the latest design and technology to create inspiring boats. Evolving from their heritage in flat-out racing classes, RS Sailing’s range has grown over the last three decades to make modern, durable and fun dinghies, keelboats and catamarans. Their boats have been developed to move the game forward for racers, beginners, families, clubs and schools.

RS Sailing are proud to have built some of the most vibrant class communities, to have been chosen by leading organisations globally, to have hosted world-class events and to have a global dealer network that are as passionate about the future of sailing. But most importantly, from their humble beginning, they have grown to become the world’s largest small sailboat brand – #sailitliveitloveit.

RS Electric Boats was initially created to develop an electric RIB for sailing schools and events. After the success of the Pulse 63, with its first fully integrated electric drive, the company is now developing its range of commercial and leisure electric boats.

RS Electric Boats’ Pulse 63 is already known for its rugged spacious designs, ease of manoeuvring, practical natures and innovative credentials.

The commercially focused Pulse 63 is specifically designed for law enforcement, border protection, security, and marinas. It is available in leisure and superyacht configurations for private boat owners who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

Cheetah Marine has been designing and building custom power catamarans since 1989 on the Isle of Wight and, more recently, in Portugal. Fishermen, patrols, police, hydrographic survey, charter companies and more use the catamarans. They’re specifically designed to combat rough weather with outstanding stability.

In 2022, RS Marine Group developed an EV-ready Cheetah Adventure prototype catamaran, which offers stable spacious comfort, side access and roof rack storage to families who want to open up access to coastlines and take all their kit with them.

Ocean Play manufactures and distributes Picos, Bugs, Bahias and Vagos (from Roto, Slovenia) as well as offering worldwide customer services.

In 2022, elements of the four sailing school classic designs were updated, ready for customers in the UK and overseas who are seeking to replace their favourite classics.

Ocean Play was founded in 2022 after Jo Richards (designer of the four boats) approached RS to take up the production challenge.

Over the Years

RS Racing Sailboats born

RS Sailboats start trading as RS, selling boats, sails, trailers, clothing and spares for sailing.

London Dinghy Centre born

H.Taylor & Son (Brockley) Ltd start trading as LDC (London Dinghy Centre) Sailing when Howard Taylor opens a chandlery selling sailing dinghies, parts and clothing.

First cheetah built

Sean Strevens designs and builds the first Cheetah Catamaran. Sean’s design incorporates everything needed to launch and recover from the shore in a swell.

Cheetah Marine LTD Founded

Cheetah Marine begins producing catamarans with a small team of highly skilled GRP boat building specialists.

LDC Sailboat brand idea

Martin Wadhams and Nick Peters, at LDC’s helm, have the idea to create a sailboat brand.

RS Racing born

RS Racing (still known as RS) is born when the RS400 & RS600 are launched at the London Boat Show, bringing modern, high performance designs to the mainstream.

RS Sailing Born

RS Racing becomes RS Sailing (still known as RS) with the first polyethylene boat in the range, the RS Feva, designed for training and recreational sailing as well as racing. The international RS dealer network begins to be built.

RS Sailing Store Expands

RS Sailing Store expands as a chandlery and offers spare and repairs for all RS Sailing boats.

New CEOs for RS Sailing

Jon Partridge and Alex Newton Southon step up to CEOs with ambitious plans for expansion.

RS Electric Boats born

RS Electric Boats unveils the Pulse 58, a fully electric, sustainable RIB.

Pulse 63 launched

Extensive R&D and testing lead to the even more efficient Pulse 63.

Cheetah Partnership

RS and Cheetah Marine become partners. Both businesses know they can share knowledge, skills and resources to achieve mutual ambitions.

ocean play born

RS takes on the production of Pico, Bahia, Bug and Vago sailing dinghies under the Ocean Play brand.

RS Marine Group born

RS Marine Group launches in late 2022 following continued expansion and collaborations of RS Sailing, RS Electric Boats, Cheetah Marine and Ocean Play.

WORLD CLASS PRODUCTS

We’ve been building world-class products since 1989, creating innovative designs that reflect our customer’s sense of adventure and performance requirements. Latterly we’ve focused on the need to protect the environment in every way we can.

Our guiding principle – of using the latest design and technology to make higher performance available to everyone – infuses every decision we make. And that’s why we win awards, retain customers for decades and are known for making fun, practical, world-class boats.

We are doing everything we can to help lead the marine world towards sustainability. This is reflected in our product choices, material choices, manufacturing choices and distribution choices.

We’ve gone electric with the Pulse 63, offering the world a viable alternative to fossil-fueled RIBs. We’re making Cheetah Marine designs EV-ready so that when the electric power matches the demands of – for example – the North Sea, it’s a straightforward switch.

Within RS Sailing, we use eco-friendly construction (like bio-derived resins and recycled core materials on the RS21). Plus, the boat’s been designed to stack in containers meaning six 21-foot boats can be transported in a 40-foot container, saving transport costs – and emissions.

We know where we want to be, and we’re getting there.

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainable at the core, accessibility, boating for all.

We believe everyone can enjoy the water. This is why we are passionate about making boating accessible. RS Sailing launched the RS Venture Connect SCS in 2011. The SCS model was specifically designed to make sailing and racing accessible to almost everyone. The boats’ design is straightforward, with plug and play options (including sip/puff electronic controls) so that the boat can be configured for most disabilities.

Cheetah Marine has long been WetWheels Foundation’s chosen boat builder. The Wetwheels Foundation was established in 2011 in the Solent, UK. The charity is all about barrier-free boating and provides the opportunity for all disabled people, including those with profound and complex disabilities, the opportunity to take to the sea onboard purpose-built, fully accessible powerboats.

How RS Marine Group works

Recognising skills and developing synergies are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that together we are better, and this has been reflected in the working practices at RS over the decades.

The Group is constantly finding new and exciting ways of sharing resources such as design, knowledge, industry experience, and streamlining production to further our ambitions for high-performance, sustainable, accessible and fun boats.

Diverse opinions, challenges and solutions lead our innovation strategies. The discussion – led primarily by our sailing community from across all the businesses – feeds the ethos of the group’s continuous evolution.

RS Sailing grew through its inclusive culture, not only by producing world-leading dinghies but also through its extensive programme of events focused on competition and fun. The explosive growth of the RS community was built on the love of the RS products, great time on the water, and the celebrations around the events, which continues to this day.

This culture and family-like atmosphere continues throughout the RS Marine Group in everything we do. The world-class products are only made possible by our growing world-class team and, of course, by you, our customers and supporters.

RS Cat 14 S

Sailboat specifications.

• Last update: 15th March 2020

RS Cat 14's main features

Rs cat 14's main dimensions, rs cat 14's rig and sails, rs cat 14's performances, rs cat 14's auxiliary engine, rs cat 14's accommodations and layout.

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RS CAT 14 S

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Description

The RS Cat 14 combines the durability of rotomolded construction with the technical developments seen in more high performance catamarans. With a range of available rigging options to suit everything from beginner sailors to seasoned veterans, the RS Cat 14 is about as versatile as it gets. The boat can be completely broken down for easy transporting or storage in just minutes, and the hull shapes have been carefully designed to add strength and performance without adding weight.

• Easy to sail single-handed with space for crew
• Exceptional stability and comfort without sacrificing performance
• Concave decks create secure sitting area
• Hiking straps above and below tramp to assist in capsize recovery
• Capsize righting line in under-tramp stowage bag
• Recesses in aft decks reduce volume making it easier to right
• Lift and lock rudder system
• Molded handholds for easy carrying on shore
• Fast and easy assembly makes for convenient storage or transpor

CONSTRUCTION

• Extremely durable RS Comptec PE3 - 3 layer polyethlyne construction 
• Middle foam layer creates built-in buoyancy
• Hull & Beam securing system with no through-hull holes for easy assembly - no sealant required
• Stainless backed shroud and beam bolts
• RS construction process adds material only in high load areas, reducing weight for better sailing performance
• Rudder system through-bolted for added strength

Related Products

RS CAT 14 XL

RS CAT 16 S

RS CAT 16 XL

RS CAT 16 Dolly

Dynamic Dollies

RS VENTURE S with Gennaker

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The World's Fastest Growing Sailboat Brand

Born from a passion for using the latest in design and technology to build boats that are exciting, fast, and fun, RS Sailing is the world's fastest growing small sailboat brand. Their extensive range of fiberglass and rotomold sailboats include everything from flat-out racing boats to boats for beginners, families, clubs, and sailing schools. West Coast Sailing is the West Coast USA regional distributor for the entire range of RS sailboats and a key voice in the development of RS racing and sailing activities in North America. We are proud supporters of the RS motto, 'Sail it. Live it. Love it.' are are here to help you find the perfect RS sailboat for your personal sailing, your family, or your sailing program.

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The Perfect Boat for Every Sailor

• RACE - Classes with fantastic event schedules, vibrant communities and action packed lifestyles
• LEARN - User friendly boats to build confidence and promote rapid progression to sparkling performance
• YOUTH - From starter boats to inspirational and enjoyable international racing classes
• TEACH - The most comprehensive boat range for training centers – backed up by industry leading support services
• FAMILY - Get the family on board in an RS designed to make sailing attainable and fun
• EXPLORE - Boats for the sailing adventures you would love
• PARA SAILING - Modern, exciting boats with specialist equipment that bring great sailing to everyone
• KEELBOAT SAILING - Beautifully refined racing and training keelboats

West Coast Sailing was founded in 2005 with one vision: to be the leading resource for products, services, and information in the small sailboat industry. Over the past 15 years we've worked with thousands of sailors around the world, outfitting individual sailors, families, programs, and sailing centers with the right boats. Our team is dedicated as ever to this vision and is here to help you find the perfect boat to enjoy your time on the water. Find out more about our story by clicking here .

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• Call or Text +1 (503) 285-5536 ext 2
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Want an RS, but not a new one? Don’t worry! At RS Sailing we always have a stock of used boats available throughout the season. These boats are predominantly taken in part-exchange, with their existing owners upgrading to a new boat.

All of our boats receive an inspection upon their arrival, before passing through our in-house workshop for a refurb, including a pressure test before going to their new owner complete with a comprehensive 12 months warranty. Please see our current selection of used boats below. Due to the popularity of buying a used boat through RS Sailing, our stock is always changing, so for a current list of what is available please get in touch .

RS Aero #4274 - £8,400

RS Aero #4274 – £8,400

PACKAGE INCLUDES

• Choice of Rig Pack
• Launching Trolley
• Padded Foil Bags
• Padded Spar Bag

Starting from – £8,400

LOCATION: Romsey, Hampshire, UK

Contact the team for more information

RS400 #1053 £3,150

RS400 #1053 £3,150.00

Package Includes

• 1 x suit used sails
• Launching trolley
• Padded rudder bag

Final specification can be adjusted to your exact requirements

Starting from – £3,150

RS21 #284 (2022) - £32,500

RS21 #284 – £32,500

• 1 x Suit of Brand New One Design Sails
• Used Top cover
• E-Propulsion Engine

Starting from – £32,500

RS Feva #8352 £5,150

• XL Race Spec – 1 x suit of Sails
• Under cover
• Padded foil bags

Starting from – £5,150

RS400 #1312 - £4,500

RS400 #1312 – £4,500

• 1 x full suit of sails

Starting from – £4,500

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