Small Craft Tasmania unbox and rig the RS Toura — first impressions and why they chose it for cruising

# What happened Small Craft Tasmania have added an RS Toura to their fleet. In a new video episode Mat and Jo unbox the boat, lay out every component, assemble the rig and give a first look at how the Toura fits their cruising lifestyle. They name their boat "Tas the Toura" and plan to take it for a first sail in the next episode.

# The RS Toura in one line

# Tasmania picked it Mat and Jo list three practical priorities that led them to the Toura:

• Safety and self-rescue: features include a large mast float, a self-draining cockpit and multiple grab handles to aid recovery after a capsize.
• Speed: they want to cover distances quickly—both for safety and for enjoyment—so a boat that can move well was important.
• Low maintenance and durability: the hull is built to withstand beaching on rocky shorelines and general cruising wear.

# What's in the box and build quality Everything arrives clearly labelled. The kit includes rigging, running lines, deck hardware, Hyde Sails and Selden spars. The team praises the component quality and the clarity of the manual and parts list. They describe the assembly experience as "like Lego" because of the way parts are organised and identified.

Mat shares several hands-on tips useful for anyone planning to rig an RS Toura themselves:

• Use a small amount of Loctite on selected deck fittings to reduce loosening.
• Spray silicone into the spinnaker pole mouth to ease fitting and movement.
• Compress springs with cable ties to make refitting them into blocks easier.

These kinds of tweaks speed the job and reduce frustration, especially when working alone or on a beach.

# Construction and layout

# Naming and christening After completing the rig the team names the boat "Tas the Toura." They mark the launch with a tea-based christening rather than champagne, a nod to the boat's English manufacture.

# What to expect next The team will take the Toura for its first sail in a follow-up episode. The current coverage focuses on assembly, component quality, and real-world fit for Small Craft Tasmania's cruising environment.

# Bottom line