RS Feva Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The RS Feva first entered production in 2002, emerging from RS Sailing's commitment to advancing dinghy design through innovation and leveraging modern technology. The company, which evolved from roots dating back to 1970, aimed to produce boats that would speak for themselves through inherent quality and performance, a principle evident in the Feva. RS Sailing's manufacturing ethos during this era, and continuing today, involved the use of durable rotomoulded polyethylene for many models, ensuring resilience and longevity.

Paul Handley's design philosophy for the RS Feva centered on creating a one-design performance racing boat that is both user-friendly and forgiving, while still teaching good sailing habits. The Feva features a modern sail plan and cockpit layout, with simple sail controls designed for ease of use. It is available in two primary versions: the RS Feva S and the RS Feva XL. The XL rig, which is more commonly utilized in competition, features a larger Mylar mainsail of 68 square feet (6.3m2), while the S rig uses a Dacron mainsail of 57 square feet (5.3m2). Both versions include a 22 square foot jib and a 73 square foot spinnaker, providing versatile sailing options.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of nearly 12 feet (11.94 ft) and a waterline length of 11.0 feet, the RS Feva is a compact yet capable dinghy. Its lightweight displacement of 139 pounds contributes to its agile feel on the water. The boat features a daggerboard keel and a single rudder, optimizing its performance and maneuverability.

The RS Feva offers exciting performance with modern styling, boasting a high-performance sail plan, including an asymmetric spinnaker, that allows for thrilling sailing experiences. It is particularly noted for its good performance in lighter wind conditions. Sailors often describe the Feva as well-balanced, even when sailing solely under mainsail. Its design emphasizes a combination of stability and agility, challenging students to refine their skills while remaining forgiving and safe, thereby inspiring confidence. The large, open cockpit and high boom contribute to its user-friendly nature, making it comfortable for sailors of various sizes, and even for two adults. Ease of rigging, low loads on controls, and simple mast stepping further enhance its practicality for younger sailors and training programs.

Accommodations and Layout

As a small two-person dinghy with a length overall of just under 12 feet, the RS Feva prioritizes an open and functional cockpit over enclosed accommodations. The design features a large, open cockpit and a high boom, which contributes significantly to its user-friendliness and comfort for sailors of different sizes. The hull is constructed from durable rotomoulded polyethylene, known for its resilience and ability to withstand the rigors of training and recreational use. While there are no interior living spaces or amenities typical of larger sailboats, the layout is optimized for two crew members, often a youth sailor and an instructor or another young sailor. The design ensures a comfortable experience even for two adults, with soft surfaces for kneeling. Storage is generally limited to what can be stowed in the open cockpit area, suitable for essential sailing gear.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and sailing instructors consistently praise the RS Feva for its robust construction and its role as an excellent "lead-in boat" for developing sailors. Its forgiving nature, coupled with its ability to inspire confidence while teaching proper sailing techniques, is frequently highlighted as a major strength. The Feva is widely regarded for providing a thrilling and engaging sailing experience, making it popular for both training and competitive racing among youth.

While generally well-regarded for its durability, some isolated instances of common issues have been reported. A recurring observation by a small number of club boat owners involved cracks developing from the drain hole at the mast base. However, overall sentiment emphasizes the RS Feva's success as a modern classic in the dinghy world, with its rapid popularity and enduring appeal among its global community of sailors.