RS Feva
The RS Feva is a modern double-handed sailing dinghy designed by Paul Handley in 2002. It is manufactured and distributed by RS Sailing. The RS Feva is a World Sailing International Class, a Royal Yachting Association Supported Junior Class, and has been selected by the Dansk Sejlunion and Norges Seilforbund for major sailing growth projects.
Built from tough rotomoulded polyethylene, it bridges the gap between entry-level boats such as the RS Tera and high-performance skiffs like the 29er. Its stability, durable construction, and exciting yet manageable performance have made it a popular junior double-handed class.
The RS Feva’s layout is designed for simplicity and learning progression. All control lines are within easy reach, and the self-draining cockpit allows quick recovery after capsizes. The asymmetric spinnaker system uses a single-line hoist and drop, encouraging teamwork and tactical awareness. The hull’s wide beam and chine shape provide excellent stability and planing ability, allowing young sailors to experience real performance sailing in moderate winds without the intimidation of trapezes or large sails.
Performance and design
The RS Feva is available in two versions; the RS Feva S and RS Feva XL.The RS Feva S is the pleasure-sailing version, with a "soft" unbattened mainsail and can be upgraded to add a jib and/or gennaker.
The RS Feva XL is the racing version, with the same hull and spars as the RS Feva S but the sail package comprises a full-battened mylar racing mainsail and includes the jib and gennaker. The design allows both the jib and gennaker to be used at the same time for power reaching. When racing in a mixed fleet, the RS Feva XL uses a Portsmouth Yardstick handicap of 1210 in the UK or 105.2 in the USA.
The boat is suitable to be sailed by two young sailors or by adult and child teams, the RS Feva may also be sailed single-handed.
The RS Feva is popular in Europe, Australia and Hong Kong, and is being re-introduced to the market in North America.
In the United Kingdom the RS Feva has been approved by the RYA for the RYA OnBoard scheme, and by schools, sailing centres and clubs for their junior sailing programmes.
International recognition and support
- The RS Feva has International Sailing Federation International Class status.
- The RS Feva has won the Coup de Coeur Award in France.
- The RS Feva has previously won the Dinghy of the Year Award in the USA.
- The RS Feva is a Royal Yachting Association Supported Junior Class.