Planning an Upgrade Path: From RS Toura to a Bigger Racing Double-Hander
At some point in every sailing journey comes the question:
Do we upgrade the boat – and if so, to what?
For us, sailing mostly on the River Thames, the decision isn’t just about speed or trophies. It’s about crew size, comfort, practicality, and realism. We currently sail an RS Toura, and while it’s been a superb learning platform, the temptation to move towards a more racing-focused double-hander is growing.
But there’s a catch…
Why the RS Toura Still Makes Sense (For Now)
The Toura is often dismissed as a “training boat”, but that’s unfair.
What it does brilliantly:
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Carries two larger adults comfortably
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Forgiving hull → mistakes don’t instantly punish you
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Stable enough for family sailing and learning tactics
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Handles river conditions well (gusts, shifts, trees, bends!)
On the Thames, boat control and decision-making matter more than raw speed, and the Toura gives time to think.
So the question isn’t “Is the Toura good enough?”
It’s “What do we gain by upgrading – and what do we lose?”
The Merlin Rocket Temptation (And Why It Doesn’t Quite Fit)
The Merlin Rocket is often held up as the ultimate inland racing dinghy:
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Light, responsive, tactical
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Phenomenal upwind performance
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Perfect for rivers if you fit the boat
But here’s the reality check:
Why it may not work for us
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Designed for lighter crews
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Narrow hull → cramped for larger sailors
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Requires constant, athletic movement
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Less forgiving during relaxed club sailing
In short: a fantastic boat, but not for every body shape or sailing goal.
So… What Comes After the Toura?
If we’re too big for a Merlin, but still want:
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Double-handed racing
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River-friendly handling
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Enough space to sail without contortionism
Then the upgrade path looks more like this:
1. A “Big” Performance Double-Hander
Boats that scale up the concept:
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More hull volume
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Wider racks or wings
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Designed for adult crews, not featherweights
You gain speed and challenge, without sacrificing comfort.
2. Stay River-Capable
On the Thames:
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Variable wind
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Shallows and weed
Anything too extreme becomes hard work rather than fun.
3. Keep the Toura (Seriously)
There’s a strong argument for:
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Faster boat for racing sessions and events
Not every sail needs to be Type-2 fun.
The Bigger Question: What Are We Upgrading For?
Before changing boats, it’s worth being brutally honest:
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Do we want closer racing, or just more excitement?
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Are we racing others, or racing ourselves?
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Do we want a boat that challenges occasionally – or constantly?
On a river, smart sailing beats twitchy boats surprisingly often.
A Sensible Upgrade Philosophy
Rather than jumping straight to “the fastest thing we can afford”, a better path might be:
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Improve:
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Then move to a boat that:
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Fits the crew
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Fits the river
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Fits how often we actually sail
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Progression isn’t about bravado – it’s about sustainable enjoyment.
Final Thought
If you’re:
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Too big for a Merlin
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Sailing mainly on rivers
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Wanting performance without misery
Then the answer may not be one boat, but a thoughtful upgrade path.
And the RS Toura?
It might not be holding you back nearly as much as you think.
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