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B E Y O N D 2 0 0 8

RS:X Beyond 2008

Contents

• Introduction - 4

• The Provider - 5

• The Olympic Experience - 16

• RS:X Facts - 27

• RS:X Submission - 2012 Olympics Sailing Regatta - 36

RS:X - CONTENTS

RS:X Beyond 2008

Dear Partners,

Developing the RS:X as the Olympic One Design Windsurfing Class was an exciting challenge for our company. We are proud of the success we have achieved with the RS:X. In conjunction with our partners of the ISAF, we have established the RS:X as a new vibrant and exciting International Olympic Windsurfing Class and possibly the most technologically advanced sailing equipment in the Olympic Regatta.

During four years of close collaboration with top sailors and representatives of the ISAF, the RS:X Board and Rig has proven in Olympic competition that it delivers an impressive sailing performance in winds ranging from 3 – 30 knots which in itself is a remarkable technical accomplishment.

In addition, we have worked with the RS:X Class Association and the ISAF to establish National RS:X fleets around the world and a comprehensive calendar of RS:X events.

Introduction

These efforts culminated in a successful Olympic Regatta in Qingdao where I believe the performance of the RS:X validated the design parameters established for Olympic Windsurfing by the ISAF and proved the performance of the RS:X equipment.

As an ex-Olympic sailor myself, I have taken an intense interest in the development of Olympic sailing and our company is proud to have been involved with Olympic Sailing since 1992 when we supplied the Lechner One Design Olympic Rig. Since 2000, we have also been the exclusive supplier of 49er Class Sails and we were the provider of the RS:X Boards and Rigs for the 2008 Olympic Sailing Regatta.

We look forward to maintaining our involvement with the ISAF in Olympic Sailing and working with the RS:X Class Organisation to widen the spread of National and International RS:X events, building on the success of the last four years to create an outstanding Olympic Sailing Regatta in 2012.

4RS:X - INTRODUCTION

P R O V I D E R

RS:X Beyond 2008

PROVIDERNeil Pryde Limited (Pryde Group) designed and developed the RS:X Olympic Windsurfing Equipment and is the exclusive manufacturer.

Neil Pryde Limited was established in Hong Kong in 1970 and is today a diversified Manufacturer, Marketer and Distributor of Actions Sports products and world leader in Windsurfing equipment with the Neil Pryde and JP Australia brands.

The Pryde Group has annual sales in excess of US$100 million with more than 3000 employees world-wide.

The company operates manufacturing facilities in China and Thailand and has established a world-wide distribution network centered around its wholly owned subsidiaries in North America and Europe.

The resources available to the Pryde Group underwrite the company’s ability to deliver on its commitments to Olympic Windsurfing including support of the RS:X World Championships and World Youth Championships.

The world-wide Distribution Network of the Pryde Group brings RS:X equipment within easy reach of sailors world-wide while our On-Line Spare Part service provides quick and convenient delivery on all essential parts to any RS:X sailor world-wide.

RS:X - PROVIDER 6

RS:X Beyond 2008

Group Structure

NEILPRYDE LIMITEDPryde Group Headquarters - Hong Kong

Finance / Operations / Brand Management Strategy & Planning

PRYDE GROUP GMBH German Distribution Company

Munich, Germany

ADVENTURE SPORTS INC.Miami, Florida, USAUS Distribution Hub

ADVENTURE SPORTS HAWAII Maui, Hawaii, USA

PRYDE GROUP FRANCE SAEuropean Distribution Hub

French Distribution Company

CABRINHAMaui, Hawaii, USA

ADVENTURE SPORTS ASIA PACIFIC Hong Kong

PERFORMANCE MANUFACTURING

China

PERFORMANCE MANUFACTURING

Thailand

FLOWSan Clemente, California, USA

JP-AUSTRALIAAustria

PRYDE WATERWEARHong Kong

NEIL PRYDE WINDSURFINGHong Kong

MANUFACTURING DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES BRAND UNITS

PRYDE UK LTDRedcar, Cleveland, UK

UK Distribution Company

RS:X - PROVIDER 7

RS:X Beyond 2008

Worldwide Offices

Neil PrydeRetail Store

Maui

WatersportsDesign Centre

Maui

Flow SportsUSA

San Clemente

Adventure Sports IncUSA

Miami

Pryde Group GMBH

Munich

Pryde Group France SAGrenay

JP-AustraliaBrand HQAustria

FlowBrand HQ

San Clemente

CabrinhaBrand HQ

Maui

Pryde Group HeadquartersHong Kong

Performance Manufacturing

China

Performance Manufacturing

Thailand

Neil Pryde& Pryde

Brand HQHong Kong

Pryde UK LtdUK

Cleveland

RS:X - PROVIDER 8

RS:X Beyond 2008

Distribution

Pryde Group products are sold into more than 68 countries worldwide through a network of wholly owned distribution companies and strategic distribution

partnerships.

Initially devised as a distribution and logistics network for the company’s own products, The Pryde Group now offers access to more than 3,500 retailers in the

adventure and marine sports industry, making this an ideal launch platform for new Pryde Group brands looking to quickly broaden their global reach.

With more than 30 years experience in the industry The Pryde Group has developed a first class reputation for successfully developing and marketing high performance

products. The Pryde Group’s distribution network now plays an important role in ensuring the success of Pryde Group brands in the marketplace.

RS:X - PROVIDER 9

RS:X Beyond 2008

Distribution - Europe

Located in Munich, Pryde Group GmbH are the sole distributors for Pryde Group brands in Germany and Austria, servicing a dealer base

of more than 550 stores with a selection of Winter and Summer sports products.

In addition to the Pryde Group brands, they

also distribute additional branded product lines covering snow helmets, protective wear, snowboarding tools & accessories and

windsurf boards.

Pryde Group GMBH

Located in Grenay, Pryde Group France SA are sole distributors for Pryde Group Products

in France, with a dealer base of almost600 stores.

In addition to the Pryde Group brands, they also distribute additional branded product lines

covering snow helmets, protective wear, snowboarding tools and accessories and

windsurf boards. Pryde Group France SA has recently begun servicing dealers in Switzerland, Spain and Portugal.

Pryde Group France SA

Located in Redcar in the North East of England, Pryde UK is a newly formed joint venture that will substantially boost sales of Pryde Group

brands in the influential UK market.

As an island with a rich maritime history the UK offers enormous potential for growth in the

Sailing and Surfing markets as well as in our existing Windsurfing Kiteboarding and

Snowboarding sectors.

Pryde UK

RS:X - PROVIDER 10

RS:X Beyond 2008

Distribution - North America

Asia

Europe

Canada

Caribbean

South America

HQ - San Clemente

- Flow

- Winter Sports Sales - Water Sports Sales

Flow SportsWest Coast

Sales Office - Miami

- Water Sports Sales - Waterwear Sales - S. America & Caribbean Markets

Adventure Sports Inc.East Coast

- Winter Sports 590- Water Sports 220

RS:X - PROVIDER 11

RS:X Beyond 2008

Distribution - Asia Pacific

Australia & NZ

Korea & Japan

Indian OceanIslands

Adventure Sports Asia Pacific - ASAP

Located within the PrydeGroup Hong Kong HQ, ASAP supplies

Pryde Group brands to 15 countries around the Asia Pacific region.

Pryde Group Asia Pacific

RS:X - PROVIDER 12

RS:X Beyond 2008

Brands

The Pryde Group owns a portfolio of Five brands, each targeting a specific niche in

the marine and adventure sports markets. All of the Pryde Group brands are

represented by premium priced, high performance products, and our aim for

each of our brands is to be number one in its respective market or segment.

Over the past decade, the Pryde Group has built a world-class reputation for the

development of highly-engineered, elegantly designed products that sell at

premium prices to a committed consumer base.

The Pryde Group brand portfolio targets Marine and Adventure sport retailers with

the intention of providing them with year-round earnings on a long-term basis.

RS:X - PROVIDER 7

RS:X Beyond 2008

NeilPryde Windsurfing

Pryde Waterwear

Flow SnowboardingJPA Windsurf Boards

Cabrinha Kiteboarding

PrydeGroup Brands

neilpryde.com

neilprydewaterwear.com

jp-australia.com

cabrinhakites.com

flow.com

For full details of each of our brands visit

these websites:

RS:X - PROVIDER 14

RS:X Beyond 2008

Manufacturing

Chiang MaiPerformance Apparel

Waterwear7,560 sq/ft 200 Staff

Thailand Fu RongSail & Kite Making

Neoprene ProductionWetsuits & WaterwearTechnical Hard Goods

Sailing Rig PartsSnow Bindings34,000 sq/ft2,500 Staff

China

With factories in China and Thailand, the Pryde Group’s manufacturing business employs more than 2,000

workers and operates under the name Performance Manufacturing. Developed initially to manufacture the

company’s own products, Performance Manufacturing has emerged as a highly successful specialist

manufacturer of high performance sports equipment for the Board Sports industry, supplying products to many of

the leading brands. Performance Manufacturing products are divided largely between ‘hard goods’ and ‘soft

goods’. Hard Goods includes technical equipment for Windsurfing, Kiteboarding and Snowboarding (i.e. Sails, rig

parts, kites, snowboard boots & bindings). Soft Goods refers to the company’s extensive wetsuit & waterwear

business and the production of sewn goods, such as sports and equipment bags and soft-sided accessories.

RS:X - PROVIDER 15

T H E O LY M P I C E X P E R I E N C E

RS:X Beyond 2008

17RS:X - THE OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE 2008

RS:X Beyond 2008

RS:X - THE OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE 2008

Regatta Summary

Pryde Group is proud to be the manufacturer of the RS:X and congratulates the medal winners in this prestigious event.

The design brief laid down by ISAF in 2004 called for a board capable of performing in 3-30 knots and the RS:X lived up to this challenge as the conditions in Qingdao proved to be varied and testing.

With strong currents and the wind dropping down to just 5 knots in Race Five and getting up to 22 knots in Race Seven, the RS:X took to the course alongside the other yachting classes and each race proceeded as scheduled. Strong currents further complicated the racing with 6 knot winds often accompanied by 2 knots of current.

Overall, the conditions were varied and some experienced Olympic sailors believe the Qingdao regatta to be the windiest since Korea in 1988. The RS:X was able to deliver racing to the ISAF schedule, so guaranteeing live racing coverage and a TV suitable format. This is essential in today’s media environment.

As is the Olympic tradition, the board livery was updated for the event and coupled with the brightly coloured sails the RS:X created a visual spectacle at the regatta. Each sail was adorned with the sailors name, flag and country designation making the event easy for spectators to follow and enjoy as country flags were visible at the windward mark from as far away as the start line.

With just 6 points separating the top three in both the men’s and women’s divisions the competition was very close, creating excitement and anticipation right till the end, but ultimately the top sailors came through with both the 2008 RS:X World Champions in the medals. Tom Ashley of New Zealand added Olympic Gold to the World Championship he won in Auckland in January 2008, a truly remarkable double that was richly deserved given the sheer consistency of his performances. Silver was taken by the experienced French sailor Julien Bontemps and the bronze medal by the precocious youngster from Israel, Shahar Zubari, who was seen front looping his allocated RS:X Olympic equipment in pure “end over end” fashion during the windy practice day, pre the regatta.

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RS:X Beyond 2008

The Women’s Gold medal was won by local favourite Jian Yin of China in a performance that will be truly be life changing as it represents China’s first ever medal in Olympic sailing. Jian Yin’s performance went one better than the silver she won at the Athens Games in 2004.

Yin’s board will now be kept on permanent display at the Qingdao Maritime Museum and will be known as the “Gold windsurfer”. Alessandra Sensini from Italy also created history by becoming the first woman to win four Olympic Sailing medals, by placing second, also one better than the bronze she won in Athens. Third was Britain’s Bryony Shaw.

As one of just two classes where all the equipment is supplied by the manufacturer, the RS:X sailors arrived in Qingdao relatively empty handed, but now not only do the winners get to take home their medals but they also get to take home their complete RS:X sets. As an ex-Olympic sailor and avid yachtsman Mr Pryde understands how attached a sailor can be to a winning boat and offered Tom Ashley of New Zealand and Jian Yin of China their RS:X sails and boards to keep as a memento of this historic occasion.

This event has been a true test of the RS:X equipment and as we look ahead to 2012 its clear that the RS:X has fulfilled the requirements of the ISAF brief and the resulting competition is a testament to the nature of one design racing.

The equipment performed to the ISAF brief and requirements in conditions as varied as 4 -22 knots true wind and from near flatwater through to 1.5 meter swells.

Results & Highlights

“As a New Zealander living in China, I couldn’t be more proud of the Olympic result. Seeing both my country of birth and my home for the past 35 years top the podium and having the regatta sailed on the NeilPryde RS:X has been hugely exciting and a great honour for Pryde Group”

Neil Pryde


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RS:X Beyond 2008

The RS:X can perform in such a testing range of conditions due to the hybrid design that assures upwind progress can be made in the lightest racing conditions using the daggerboard, combined with dynamic short board planing characteristics when wind speeds increase.

Olympic race schedules and modern day media obligations such as Television coverage dictate that races take place to a pre-determined program. Waiting for wind is simply not an option and the hybrid design guarantees the RS:X delivers a spectacle.

The short water line length of the RS:X also adds another tactical dimension in the lighter winds as the board is quick to spin into a tack as wind shifts come down the course. Sailors report they are able to take advantage of small shifts in a way they could not on previous Olympic boards as those long boards favoured sailing as fast as possible into the next gust, regardless of direction.

Downwind gybing angles remain essential in all windspeeds and correct angles deliver large gains over the fleet, making the RS:X tactically demanding, technical to sail and physically challenging.

Performance through the Wind Range : Guaranteed Result


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RS:X Beyond 2008

Hull and Foils

The RS:X is built to the highest specification of any Olympic sailing class. The hull and rig are built from full carbon fiber layup, guaranteeing the lightest possible weight and the highest possible consistency in production.

The use of carbon also ensures that the hulls retain their stiffness and designed shape over several racing seasons. No other material can deliver this consistency and use of anything other than a full carbon layup will likely result in shape deformation and a requirement on the sailor or MNA to buy several new hulls a season in order to maintain performance, this is a feature of some of the other Olympic sailing classes that don’t use carbon fiber.

In the RS:X class, we have seen three year old boards winning world championships in January 2008. The cost of ownership of the RS:X is therefore extremely affordable and represents excellent value.

Pryde Group created a new production process in collaboration with the manufacturer to allow the highest level of shape replication from hull to hull. This process completes the construction of the board in a “One shot” process that sets the finished hull shape in the mould and allows for a full cure before the hull is removed.

We also reduced the number of moulds used for each item (board, daggerboard & fins) to one per item. Reducing the mould count also reduced to a minimum production tolerances. One-design classes can’t use multiple moulds!

We also used a small dedicated production team that specialized in the RS:X, let them become experts in the RS:X and understand the projects quality objective.

Use a stand alone production line for the RS:X and make quality in all areas the key production consideration.

Built 110 boards and measure each board on 33 stations and weigh the hull.


RS:X Consistency of shape : Years of Integrity (i)

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RS:X Beyond 2008

Hull and Foils

Cut the sail panels from the same batches of material to ensure the closest possible elongation and stretch characteristics across the sails.

Use the same limited number of production personnel to assemble the panels and control the sail shape through tight build tolerances of the key vertical and horizontal seams.

ISAF technical delegate checked batten configuration to ensure the length of each tube and tip section was the same from batten to batten and sail to sail. ISAF also checked sails by visual checking of seam and print positions by “stacking” sails. These tests were passed successfully.

Pryde Group ensured all battens used a special color shrink wrap to enable us to visually check the battens in the sails were built for the Games.

All powerbase units were checked on a test jig by deflecting 200 times to ensure there were no tendon failures.

We ran a special Olympic production of 300 masts and checked the bend data for each one. Together with the ISAF technical delegate during his visit in China, we verified this data again by bending the masts for a second time.

ISAF & Pryde Group then selected the closest 48 masts for the Men’s fleet and 35 masts for the women’s fleet. The selection criteria was based on “cherry picking” the closest masts in terms of bend characteristics and weight.

150 carbon booms were built for the Games and the closest 80 by weight were selected for delivery to Qingdao. These 80 booms were within 6 grams of each other.

RS:X Consistency of shape : Years of Integrity (ii)


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RS:X Beyond 2008

ISAF’s technical delegate visited Thailand in April 2008 and each board was measured to verify the data provided by the supplier was accurate. Once this was done, the closest 77 boards were selected as Olympic boards with agreement of ISAF.

We allocated one craftsman to checking rail sharpness and ensuring all boards had the same rail finish. This ensures early planing characteristics are matched from board to board.

Dedicate one craftsman to complete the bottom finish on each board. Using the same person to finish the bottom of each board creates same surface finish and therefore performance across all boards.

Pryde Group built new CNC steel moulds for the fins and a new mould for the daggerboard and created fin jigs for both the foils section and outline planshape. These jigs established the allowable minimum and maximum thickness of the blades and provides a “Yes / No” quality check in production. Outline templates ensure rake angles are consistent and fair. All fins were checked in the jigs to ensure compliance with specifications and the ISAF technical delegate checked fins at random during the pre-Games equipment check.

Quality and Accountability


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RS:X Beyond 2008

“From my point of view , it seemed to be a great success from the equipment supply side.”

(Coach of Taiwan) Alex Mowday

“NP and Cobra did an absolutely incredible job with the equipment. The boards were very even, the sails looked fantastic and nobody broke masts or booms. What more can we ask for?? Congratulations.”

(Gold Medallist - Beijing 2009) Tom Ashley

“The RS:X Equipment was of high quality and I believe the equipment played no part in the success or failure of the individuals at the 2008 Games”.

Barrie Edginton

“In terms of the equipment that was supplied I thought everything was great”

Lars Kleppich

“the equipment was awesome NP did a great job”Barbara Kendall

Testimonials


(Coach of Great Britain)

(Coach of Australia)

(3 Times Olympic Medallist)

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RS:X Beyond 2008


RS:X Beyond 2008

RS:X - Delivering!

RS:X - THE OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE 2008 26

F A C T S

RS:X Beyond 2008

What is the NeilPryde RS:X?

The RS:X came about as a result of a successful bid by NeilPryde WIndsurfing to supply one design windsurfing equipment for the 2008 Olympic Games in China. The RS:X was designed in 2004 and went into production in 2005.

The RS:X design features a high technology rig, with carbon mast and boom, a ‘wide-style’ board that merges modern windsurf board design with a centreboard, thus enabling competitions to he held in virtually any condition from 3 to 30 knots. This means that the RS:X is always a dynamic, versatile class to observe, and racing is always close, exciting and visually appealing.

Two sizes of sail are available for competitors. Men use a 9.5m sail while women and youth use an 8.5m sail. The sail, rig and board have been designed in conjunction with each other in order to to ensure a high level of design synergy.

The RS:X Class Association was established in November 2006, and is critical to the establishment and ongoing development of the RS:X as an international Olympic Class.

The RS:X is the most affordable yachting class that is eligible for competition in the Olympic Games. It is also very easy to transport, as it can be carried on commercial aircraft as excess baggage, thus allowing sailors to compete internationally at minimal expense. This allows the scheduling of many regattas which can be attended by a large number of sailors from all over the world.

The inaugural RS:X World Championships were held at Lake Garda, Italy, and featured some 244 competitors. Subsequent World Championship Regattas in Portugal and New Zealand attracted 186 and 193 sailors respectively. For more details refer to page 29.

RS:X - FACTS 28

RS:X Beyond 2008

Specifications

DimensionsBoard Length 285.6 cm

Beam 93.3 cm

Volume 227 Litres

Thickness 13.8 cm

Mast LengthWomen’s 490 cm

Men’s 520 cm

WeightsHull Only 15.75 kg

8.5m sail (Women) 5.5 kg

9.5m sail (Men) 6.1 kg

490 mast (Women) 2.2 kg

520 mast (Men) 2.4 kg

Boom 3.05 kg

Hull Construction & Materials

PVC / Carbon / Epoxy sandwich over CNC machined EPS foam core. One-shot boards are pressed and cured in a single-shot process that reduces hand work to the minimum, resulting in a high degree of shape consistency.

RS:X - FACTS 29

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RS:X Beyond 2008


Design

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RS:X Beyond 2008

Sailor Appeal

Performance Across The Spectrum

The RS:X in the Olympic family mirrors the type of equipment in use for high level windsurf racing generally with the added advantage of having a centreboard which allows it to race effectively in sub-planing conditions. The addition of the slalom end to the standard courses has been welcomed by racers as a good innovation in all wind speeds.

When addressing the relative needs concerning style of racing - i.e. strategic vs. athleticism vs. boat handling vs. boat speed, the RS:X class rewards all aspects. Competitors must be able to sail the correct course and downwind tacking angles also become important especially in the lighter conditions.

The One-Design nature of the equipment means terminal and average speeds are very close and advantage is usually gained by better tactical decision making.

Brain and brawn are rewarded in a relative equal manner. With so many boards on the starting line a sailor must be able to make a top quality start from the front row or find themselves in a tough position to recover.

The RS:X has been designed to perform in conditions from 3-30 knots. The daggerboard and adjustable mast track allow the board to race successfully in as little as 3 knots and still make effective upwind progress.

As wind speeds increase the daggerboard is retracted, the mast moved backwards in the mast track and the board becomes an effective planning surface with the sailor riding the board from the tail. This reflects modern windsurfing and makes the RS:X truly relevant.

RS:X - FACTS

RS:X Beyond 2008

2008 Olympic games (Qingdao, China)

35 Boards for Men 27 Boards for Women35 Countries represented by Men 27 Countries represented by Women

2008 RS:X World Championships (Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand - RS:X Q System)

117 Boards for Men 76 Boards for Women45 Countries represented by Men 33 Countries represented by Women5 Continents

2007 RS:X World Championship (Cascais, Portugal - ISAF Q System)


2007 RS:X European Championships (Limassol, Cyprus - ISAF Q System)


2007 RS:X South American Championships (Buzios, Brazil)


RS:X - FACTS

World Championship Regattas (i)

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RS:X Beyond 2008

World Championship Regattas (ii)

The Class has started to develop its Youth Racing Programme in support of the ISAF Youth World Championships by staging its own Youth World Championship for boys and girls (U19). Every other year this will be staged outside Europe (2008 in Thailand). In these years the class will stage a Youth European Championship.

In addition, the class has established the first of a proposed series of regional regattas being the Baltic Cup ( Latvia, Poland & Estonia) in co-operation with the Bic Techno 293 Class to enable young sailors to gain international experience at minimal cost.

2007 RS:X Asian Continental Championships (Pattaya, Thailand)


2007 RS:X Youth World Championships (Sopot, Poland - Open Entry)

65 Boards for Boys 29 Boards for Girls13 Countries represented in Boys RS:X Youth Worlds 8 Countries represented by Girls RS:X Youth Worlds3 Continents

2006 RS:X World Championship (Lake Garda, Italy - Open Entry)


RS:X - FACTS

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RS:X Beyond 2008


World Championship Regattas (iii)

Class Association Structure & History

Class Executive and Country of Residence

President Mike Dempsey GBR

1st Vice President Piotr Hlavaty POL

2nd Vice President Ben Barger USA

Treasurer Martin Aldridge GBR

ISAF Representative & Life Member Rich Jeffries USA

Technical Committee Chairman Ilker Bayinder TUR

Women's Fleet Representative Olga Maslivet UKR

Men's Fleet Representative Nicholas Huguet FRA

Coach Representative Rene Appel HKG

Life Member Aaron Botzer ISR

Life Member Barbara Kendall NZL

World Secretary Rory Ramsden GBR

Note: There are currently 49 paid-up Class Association Members

Class History

The RS:X Class was founded in November 2006.

In 2007, the Class Rules were reviewed and amended to ensure that they are as clear and precise as possible.

Following this, the Class Standard Notices of Race & Championship Sailing Instructions have also been reviewed so that they comply with the latest ISAF standards.

RS:X - FACTS 35

Beyond 2008RS:X

R S : X S U B M I S S I O N

2012 OLYMPIC SAILING REGATTA

RS:X Beyond 2008

Specifications

DimensionsBoard Length 285.6 cm

Beam 93.3 cm

Volume 227 Litres

Thickness 13.8 cm

Mast LengthWomen’s 490 cm

Men’s 520 cm

WeightsHull Only 15.75 kg

8.5m sail (Women) 5.5 kg

9.5m sail (Men) 6.1 kg

490 mast (Women) 2.2 kg

520 mast (Men) 2.4 kg

Boom 3.05 kg

Hull Construction & Materials

PVC / Carbon / Epoxy sandwich over CNC machined EPS foam core. One-shot boards are pressed and cured in a single-shot process that reduces hand work to the minimum, resulting in a high degree of shape consistency.

RS:X - SUBMISSION 2012 OLYMPIC SAILING REGATTA 37

RS:X Beyond 2008

Measurement (i)

One Design Measures & Tolerances

All boards are one design and are measured within a tolerance range by the supplier. Any boards that are not able to measure into this range are rejected.

Board manufacturer signs a RS:X Certificate of Compliance for each board produced. This confirms multiple inspection and measurement points as conforming to class rules.

Multiple stations are measured using jigs and templates. Rail sections, overall rocker line, concaves and V-sections are all measured in the factory as part of the certification process.

The One-Shot construction process produces boards with a reduced tolerance range that ensures the closest possible performance characteristics across the class.

A measurement jig is available that allows 11 stations to be measured in a repeatable fashion to ascertain hull dimensions. This has been used at major regatta’s to create a data pool for the RS:X class. This jig is designed to reduce in size via use of a swing arm and to box conveniently for sea or air freight. The jig is made of box section alloy and is therefore light and strong.

Masts are delivered with serial numbers on base and tips to clearly identify matching sections.

The hull, fins and daggerboard use a water transfer sticker. This is easily removed from the surface of the item if sanded too much by the sailor. This method prevents sailors from fundamentally changing the core shape of the foils and hull and preserves the one-design ethic of the class.

Finally, we have invested in a new mould for the hull and daggerboard (composite technology) and also for both fins (CNC’d steel moulds). These moulds are producing fins and daggerboards that are as close as possible in terms of tolerance.

We have also developed a new fin jig measurement tool that will be used by the supplier to ensure each and every fin fits within the minimum / maximum allowable tolerance, which is in the range of 0.6mm in relation to foil thickness.


RS:X Beyond 2008

Measurement (ii)

Continental & World Championship One-Design Measures

The RS:X Regatta Measurement Process involves checking serial numbers and logos on all parts and Check-Measuring a sample selection of hulls.

Measurement of a hull takes approximately 9 minutes for an experienced measurer.

Due to in-house certification (construction manual tolerances agreed with ISAF/RS:X Class) actual measurement at regattas is reduced to a minimum.


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RS:X Beyond 2008

Production & Quality Control

The builder has full production and build specifications. On top of this they have a full manual documenting their own internal procedures in relation to all aspects of construction.

Production moulds are now reduced to one each for the board, fins and daggerboards. This provides ultimate repeatability and adherence to ISAF / Class Association accepted specifications. A back up mould for the board exists to be used in the event of a catastrophic failure of the # 1 mould. This will ensure production continues unaffected.

The RS:X Class is not suitable for home build.

RS:X - SUBMISSION 2012 OLYMPIC SAILING REGATTA

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RS:X Beyond 2008

Manufacturing & Supply (i)

Equipment Supplier Names & Locations

International Service & Sales Network

Sails, Booms, Bases, Extensions & Footstraps Pryde Group Performance Manufacturing Fu Rong, Shenzhen, China

RS:X Sales Service & Spare parts are available via an established network of Pryde Group distributors in 68 countries.

HullsCobra International Co LtdChonburi, Thailand

Pryde Group have also established an on-line store that sells spare parts direct to sailors from Hong Kong.

This service includes all major items with the exception of the board such as sails, masts and booms.

Products ship from Hong Kong direct to sailors.

The service aims for a 24-Hour Turnaround from ordering to shipping the items ex-Hong Kong.

MastsMcLean Quality CompositesSalt Lake City, West Jordan, Utah, USA


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RS:X Beyond 2008

Manufacturing & Supply (ii)

Manufacturing Capacity Supplying Rigs for Key Events

The RS:X was originally established with production capacities based on a large growth pattern and significant numbers of boards on the water. To ensure this was possible, the supplier of the hull built a separate production facility to meet forecast demand. Slower than envisaged take up in the market meant capacity was never challenged.

Since July 2007, RS:X boards have been made on a “Build To order” basis as we planned the switch to the new one-shot manufacturing technique.

One-shot board production is now established at 3 pcs per day (70 per month). This would put annual capacity at approximately 800+ boards. There is potential to expand this should the need arise.

Aside from supplying 75 complete RS:X rigs to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Pryde Group has also supplied RS:X rigs to the last two RS:X ISAF Youth Worlds and will supply 47 complete rigs to the 2008 Youth Worlds in Denmark.

We also have a stated intention to bid for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games.

In the early stages of the class, two fleets of boards were made available in Asia and Europe to enable early regattas to take place with high participation numbers.


RS:X Beyond 2008

Demographics & Geography

Physique & Build of RS:X Sailors

RS:X sailors tend to be in the range of 62-72 kg for for Men and between 55-65 kg for Women. This is slightly heavier than the IMCO and based on the fact that the RS:X is a wide, modern design and this delivers better weight carrying characteristics than traditional long, narrow boards.

Fleet Sizes & Locations

By the end of August 2008, a total of 1,958 RS:X boards have been sold worldwide and 3,792 RS:X sails. (For a detailed breakdown of RS:X sales per country see appendices).


RS:X Beyond 2008

Product Price ( )

RS:X Board 2,007.50

RS:X Fin 60 cm - Women 109.20

RS:X Fin 66 cm - Men 134.90

RS:X Sail 8.5 - Women 635.60

RS:X Sail 9.5 - Men 693.60

RS:X Mast 490 - Women 336.00

RS:X Mast 520 - Men 369.60

RS:X Boom 225-265 604.80

RS:X Extension 48 cm 28.70

RS:X Power U-Base 35.90

RS:X Adjustable Downhaul 112.90

RS:X Board Bag 174.30

RS:X Rig Bag 520/9.5 174.30

RS:X Rig Bag 490/8.5 174.30

Equipment Cost & Transportation

Cost of Campaigning

There is no hard-and-fast measure available for this as athletes train and compete in a wide variety of wind and water conditions. Also individual athletes handling and care of their equipment can seriously effect the long-term life of their gear.

Warranty rates for RS:X products are currently in-line with other commercially available, high-performance windsurfing products.

As an Olympic Sailing Class however, the RS:X has possibly the lowest equipment cost of any of the classes.

Due to its relatively compact size, the cost of traveling with RS:X rigs is also significantly lower than with other Olympic Class vessels.

RS:X rigs can easily be road transported either individually on standard car roof racks or stacked on car-towed boat trailers.

For long-distance travel RS:X rigs can be checked-in at airports and most airlines are willing to accept them as Excess Baggage. Most international RS:X competitors use this method to transport their rigs to events.


45

RS:X Beyond 2008

Media Appeal (i)

Online Innovation

The class is developing its own media and event strategy to proactively maximise the appeal of the class to the media wordwide.

The first innovation it has made is to introduce a web-based Dynamic Scoring System (used at the 2008 RS:X World Championship) which shows the rounding order at each turning mark with times so that anyone anywhere in the world can follow a race as it is happening.

The software also allows those interested in a particular racer(s) to receive a text or an e-mail alert each time that racer finishes a race giving his/her finishing position.

The system had more than 2000 individuals sign-up for this service at the 2008 Worlds. They collectively received more than 20,000 individual alerts.

We are working with the developer (an ex IMCO racer now working with IBM) to integrate the system into the RS:X website and to include LIVE tracking of the medal races.

Boatspeed in Windspeeds of 5, 15, 25 Knots Up-Wind & Off-Wind

Windspeed Boatspeed Upwind

Boatspeed Downwind

5 Knots 3 Knots 2-4 Knots

15 Knots 9-12 Knots 13-17 Knots

25 Knots 12-15 Knots 17-22 Knots


RS:X Beyond 2008

Media Appeal (ii)Colourfulness of Sails

The sails feature coloured luff pockets (Red for Women and Orange for Men) and metallic silver film in the upper panels.

Planing ability and under various conditions

The RS:X is a planing hull and will plane in 8 knots. The advanced high tension camber induced sail supported by a 100% carbon mast and boom delivers rig efficiency in line with the highest technology in the industry.

Level of athleticism required

The board is suitable for normal windsurf racing at local and regional level. Obviously fitness becomes more important as the level of competition increases, however no special skills or unusual fitness requirements are necessary in order to sail and the race in the class.

Level of innovation in the Equipment

As the class is one design, there are strict limitation on what the sailor can do to both the board and rig. This ensure parity. As the class was recently selected as an Olympic class and is of modern design, the components are from the latest designs and technologies available in the industry.

Typical closeness of racing and level of overtaking

Light to moderate winds promote very close racing with multiple place changing opportunities. As wind speeds increase, higher skill levels and technical ability come to the fore and are rewarded with higher board speeds. This can separate the fleet more than in the lighter conditions.

The courses raced help to maximise overtaking with the downwind legs also being tactical and requiring accurate angles to be sailed to maximise speed without increasing the distance sailed too much.

Sailors have the option of two leeward marks and this helps keep their options open tactically and mean the race result can change late in the race. A final slalom section before the finish demands good boat handling skills late in the race and a final overtaking opportunity as competitors tire.


47

RS:X Beyond 2008


Media Appeal (iii)

RS:X Beyond 2008

Boards & Sails - Units Sold up to and including 31st September 2008

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

HK/CHIN

A

FRANCEUSA

GERMANY

DENMARK

JAPAN

UNITED K

INGDOM

KOREA

NEW Z

EALAND

SPAIN

GREECEITA

LY

AUSTRALIA

SINGAPORE

THAILAND

POLAND

RUSSIA

ISRAEL

S.AFRIC

A

PHILIP

PINES

NEW C

ALEDONIA

CANADA

NETHERLAND

4646341125

5483

24626672

54

104

201161

205

126

209

356352

688

840

303034519172220324239374963

888287

153174

243

315

404


Total Boards Sold

TotalSails Sold

1,958 3,792

49

RS:X Beyond 2008

Masts & Booms - Units Sold up to and including 31st September 2008


0

200

400

600

800

HK/CHIN

A

FRANCEUSA

GERMANY

DENMARK

JAPAN

UNITED K

INGDOM

KOREA

NEW Z

EALAND

SPAIN

GREECEITA

LY

AUSTRALIA

SINGAPORE

THAILAND

POLAND

RUSSIA

ISRAEL

S.AFRIC

A

PHILIP

PINES

NEW C

ALEDONIA

CANADA

NETHERLAND

TURKEY

3

4043

335143140

19

5746556067

117938787

175

220

279

450

524

3854

34725

5166

19

6477657272

159132

174

114

197

276

340

557

690Total

Masts Sold

TotalBooms

Sold

3,256 2,518

50

RS:X Beyond 2008

Overview of World Markets

AMERICAS EUROPE AFRICA ASIA-PACIFIC AUSTRALASIA

Adventure Sports Inc.USA / HawaiiArgentinaBrazilCanadaChileColombiaEcuadorMexicoPeruUruguayVenezuela

Pryde Group France SAFranceBeneluxPortugalSwitzerland

Pryde Group GMBHGermanyAustriaBulgaria CroatiaCyprusCzech RepublicGreeceHungaryMaltaTurkeyE. European Countries

Neilpryde ScandinaviaDenmarkFinlandNorwaySweden

Pryde UK Ltd.United Kingdom

South Africa ASAP (Hong Kong)ChinaHong Kong Vietnam

AustraliaNew CaledoniaNew Zealand

IndiaIndonesiaJapanKoreaMalaysiaPhilippinesSingaporeThailandTaiwan

IsraelItalyPolandSpainRussia PrydeGroup

DistributorIndependentDistributor


RS:X Beyond 2008

One-Shot Board Production (i)

PRODUCTION HISTORY TO DATE...

From the start, RS:X boards have been built at Cobra to tighter production tolerances than all other board brands manufactured at that facility.

RS:X boards were originally built using the standard Cobra 2-Stage Construction Method - i.e. foam core is formed and CNC’d into shape. Bottom lay-up layers of cloth are applied to the foam core and pressed in the mould. The board is allowed to sit and cool. Deck lay-up layers are added to the core and the board is then placed back in the mould, heated and vacuumed - This two step process lead to production tolerances we all agreed were not ideal.

Pryde Group and Cobra have now developed a new One-Shot Construction Method. Within this process, both the deck and underside layers are laid up together in the mould and the board pressed and heated in “One shot”.

The One-Shot process ensures that the core shape is retained as both deck and underside cool and harden together in the mould. This holds the board closer to the designed shape as it hardens.


53

RS:X Beyond 2008

One-Shot Board Production (ii)

PRODUCTION HISTORY

One-Shot Production Sample RS:X Boards have been Sea Tested in France and in Hong Kong under RS:X Class Association and ISAF supervision leading to an official approval.

One-Shot production of RS:X boards was introduced at Cobra in January 2008 with work being carried out by a dedicated team of RS:X production specialists.


RS:X Beyond 2008

Board Inspection - Rail Profiles

Rail Profile - all RS:X boards are checked at multiple points all around the board outline to ensure shape consistency of the Rail Profile.


RS:X Beyond 2008

Fin Inspection - Profile Tolerances

All RS:X fins are now cast in all-new Alloy Moulds which enable much closer shape tolerances. All fins are subsequently tested in specially made jigs to ensure they meet the strict tolerances for Foil Thickness both Fore and Aft. Meanwhile a new composite mould has been developed to ensure shape

consistency for the RS:X Daggerboard.


56

RS:X Beyond 2008

Olympic Equipment Quality Control

BOARDS 75 Boards from a production of 110 will be individually selected for further inspection and verification by ISAF representatives.

MASTS 75 Masts will also be individually selected from a batch of 300 having passed inspection for weight and bend curve characteristics.

BOOMS 75 Booms will be selected from a production batch of 180 - with correct weight being the primary selection criteria.


B E Y O N D 2 0 0 8

www.pryde-group.com

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