The R8 One Design is a true multi-function concept. It is an exciting inshore trailerable sports boat, and IRC-friendly offshore racer as well as a roomy and stable twighlighting and picnic boat.

The deck layout is very simple and clean, highlighted by the large self draining cockpit. One pair of winches serves all sheet, brace and halyard functions. The short overlap jib is sheeted 2:1 on pinstop tracks on the cabin top. The rig is a simple, twin swept spreader alloy section easily raised and lowered. The keel lifts quickly on a neat telescopic gantry for trailling or parking on the beach. A single point lifting strop allows even easier keel and boat lifting.

There is easy access to the pleasantly open and airy interior through the huge companionway and convenient steps provided by the keel box and supporting thwart. There is a double V-berth forward with provision for a toilet under and two over-length quarter berths. The galley and chart modules contain lockers above and below. The volume enclosed by the fore and aft bulkheads provide enough reserve buoyancy for unsinkability.

The universal impression of those having sailed the R8 is of a well mannered, sweet package with real sports boat performance and which is delightfully easy to sail at ten tenths.