RS Aero - Singlehanded onto Car Roof

One huge benefit of the light weight RS Aero hull and rig is in the ease of loading and transportation.
We did the 'down' video a year ago - here is the 'up' one!
Having several helpers is preferable but sometimes you are on your own. This method provides flexibility when car topping either at home or late at the sailing club when nobody is about.
I actually find this method easier than a straight two man lift as you are only lifting half the boat at a time and the other end is fixed so you are not committed to lifting in sync. If you struggle with a two person lift then this 'one end at a time' method with two people together may be preferable.
Tie boat to trolley at bow and amidships first. Then they lift as together one, one end at a time, and you only have to then tie the trolley to the roof bars / car.
Tools: One sailing kit bag and one picnic rug.
Method
- Tie the boat to the trolley at the bow and amidships first. Then they lift as one and you only have to then tie the trolley to the roof bars or car after
- Place the boat diagonally overlapping the back of the car
- Put some padding under the transom, e.g. a sailing kit bag, a tyre or mat
- Put some padding on the back of the car, e.g. a rug or some carpet
- Taking the wheels off is optional, depending on the fit and journey length
- Depending on the balance and fit you could have either the axle or rear bar snug up against the rear roof bar
- It is possible to do this with all the kit in the boat; 3 rigs, 3 sails and 2 foils, but then it is getting heavier. Taking gear out will help to keep it light
Other Examples
- Johan from Germany with a slightly taller car; • RS Aero Car Topping
- Noah at speed. Note custom roof bar, at the back of the car for ease; / 2312806955675186
- Down Lift; • RS Aero - Singlehanded...
Which Way Up?
- The UK supplied 'A' frame gunwale hung 'trolley' is ideal for loading the right way up together like this, as they cradle and protect the RS Aero. With the raised gunwales all the kit (rigs, foils & sails) can stay neatly on the boat under he covers.
- If you are using the more lightly built USA 'dolly' that dismantles then you likely need top car top the RS Aero upside down. In this case be sure to have sufficient fat padding on the bars to protect the top of the deck and don't be temped to ratchet it down overly hard. '
Roof Bars
- The UK supplied trolley's longitudinals are 114cm wide (check your own, just in case of version change). So you need a few cm wider than that. My roof rack is 120cm wide not including end caps which I think is good as a minimum.
- The width inside the trolley wheels is 128cm, so I can leave my wheels on and they sit neatly outside the rear roof rack bar.
- Some cars are limited to narrower roof bars. Then you need to lash the trolley cross beam/axle very tightly directly on top of the rear roof bar. The trolley narrows going forward to engage the front roof bar.
- For upside down, check deck high point width

[@depfordbusinesscoaching2212]

Genius! Don't forget to tie it on! Now I realise how I can get my little boat on the car. CHeers.

[@philkobi5066]

Nice.

[@mr.h.7586]

Well Played.

[@nauticfilms]

Spot on, just what I was looking for today. I have been contemplating getting back into single handed racing for a while now. I used to race Contenders. Love that boat but I would be the only one here in Spain. I am 90kgs. Too heavy for the Laser. Appreciate the Finn but it is not for me. Have had my eyes on the Aero for a while now, and World Sailings report from the Olympic trials (published yesterday) might really tip the scale for me, as it says the boat is competitive up to 91 kgs. That sent me into daydreams today, thinking this light boat should be perfect for car-topping. Major advantage (apart from having to deal with heavy trailers) is that you drive around to European regattas much faster - not being restricted to trailer speed limits on the road. Thanks for sharing, now I REALLY start thinking about getting into this. :-)

[@aurelienyvesnicoul5055]

😲 Awesome 👍I want one

[@skonandr]

That's is brilliant

[@lumpycustard3433]

Terrific! 👍👍👍

[@magnusjackson9541]

How do you then strap boat to the car? Just took my new Aero to Norfolk and had trouble with vibrating strops and the boat was bouncing around still on the trolley which seems to have damaged the sides with some dents where the trolley slots into the gunwhales

[@mr.h.7586]

I know that sound. Put one twist on each strap. That will shut them right up. You’ll also be able to tighten them down more. Have fun.

[@chrisE815]

Title should be: "How to sail your car home after running out of gasoline"

[@joesalemi2414]

Great. Which Dolly is that?

[@peterbarton9629]

This is the standard UK supplied trolley which forms a nice A frame with gunwale supports to cradle the boat

[@johnchoice1371]

There was no explanation of why it needs to go on a car roof if it already has its own trailer.

[@peterbarton9629]

Hi John, That is just a launching trolley (dolly in USA) for walking the RS Aero to the water and launching with. A trailer for towing on the road would be more substantially built with wheel bearings, suspension and a hitch. This trolley fits nicely on top of a combination roadbase trailer. Some prefer to trail, some prefer to roof top...www.rssailingstore.com/Catalogue/RS-Parts/RS-Aero/Covers-Trailers

[@jb42jb]

@@peterbarton9629could you do this with a usa style dolly?

[@peterbarton9629]

@@jb42jb See video description; - The UK supplied 'A' frame gunwale hung 'trolley' is ideal for loading the right way up together like this, as they cradle and protect the RS Aero. With the raised gunwales all the kit (rigs, foils & sails) can stay neatly on the boat under he covers. - If you are using the more lightly built USA 'dolly' that dismantles then you likely need top car top the RS Aero upside down. In this case be sure to have sufficient fat padding on the bars to protect the top of the deck and don't be temped to ratchet it down overly hard. '

[@stevecuming5317]

Yes but is this road legal?

[@peterbarton9629]

Yes. Provided it is all well secured and within weight tolerances for the car and the roof bars.

[@TragoudistrosMPH]

Wouldn't it be easier to ask the camera person for help? 😜