RS Feva Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Paul Handley·2002·RS Racing
RS Feva drawingBuilder drawing
Hull Type
Monohull · daggerboard
Rig
Fractional Sloop
LOA
11.94' · 3.64 m
Disp.
139 lbs · 63 kg
First year
2002

RS Sailing’s Feva arrived as a purposebuilt bridge for young sailors, neatly slotting into the gap between introductory singlehanders like the Optimist and the more demanding Laser or Club 420 fills a niche between the Optimist and the Laser or Club 420. Club directors and families alike quickly recognized the design as a confidencebuilding step that keeps teenagers engaged without overwhelming them, and the class has since built a loyal following on both sides of the Atlantic.

Measurements

Dimensions 01

Length Overall
11.94 ft
Length on deck
Waterline Length
11 ft
Beam
4.66 ft
Draft
3 ft
Maximum Headroom
Air Draft

Construction & hull 02

Hull
Plastic/Polyethylene
Hull Type
Monohull
Keel Type
Daggerboard
Rudder
1× —
Ballast
(Lead)
Displacement
139 lbs
Water Capacity
Fuel Capacity

Rig & sails 03

Rigging Type
Fractional Sloop
Mainsail luff
Mainsail foot
Foretriangle height
Foretriangle base
Forestay Length (estimated)
Sail Area
92 sqft

Calculations 04

Sail Area to Displacement Ratio
54.86
Ballast to Displacement Ratio
Displacement to Length Ratio
46.62
Comfort Ratio
2.45
Capsize Screening Ratio
3.6
Hull Speed
4.44 kn

Design & Construction

The hull is rotationally moulded from polyethylene, a choice that delivers the sort of impact resistance junior programs count on. Instructors regularly cite the ruggedness of the plastic shell, which shrugs off hard dock landings and the inevitable collisions of fleet starts while keeping ownership costs manageable ruggedness and low cost of its roto-molded polyethylene construction.

Rig & Handling

A straightforward sail plan keeps the learning curve shallow. The mainsail is uncomplicated, and the gennaker is a standout feature: a self-setting asymmetric that can be deployed within minutes by complete novices self-setting gennaker is a great feature. This fuss-free downwind gear rewards early success without asking young crews to master a spinnaker pole, and the helm stays light and responsive as the breeze builds.

Versatility and Fleet Fit

The cockpit is genuinely accommodating. Clubs report sailing the Feva with anywhere from one to four sailors aboard, making it equally viable for a solo teen, a double-handed race team, or an adult-and-child cruise on a light-air afternoon. That flexibility has made it a favorite of community sailing centers and school teams looking for one hull that covers a wide range of instructional needs.

A Scalable Progression Platform

Rather than outgrowing the boat, sailors can step through a graduated rig family. The base “S” sail plan suits lighter crews, while the “XL” and “XL Race” options add area and pace for heavier or more competitive teams. This built-in scalability lets a junior program keep alumni in the same fleet for multiple seasons, deepening class cohesion and preserving a sailor’s familiarity with the platform.

The Verdict

The Feva succeeds because it removes the friction that so often frustrates junior dinghy sailors. It is quick to launch, tough enough for program life, and offers a clean path from first double-handed outings to spirited club racing. For any organization (or family) seeking a durable, accessible two-person boat that keeps young sailors smiling, the Feva remains a hard one to beat.

Pros

  • Rotationally moulded hull is exceptionally durable and program-friendly
  • Self-setting gennaker introduces asymmetric sailing with minimal fuss
  • Versatile cockpit can be worked solo, tandem, or with up to four aboard
  • Scalable rigs (S, XL, XL Race) allow sailors to progress without changing hulls
  • Light, lively helm that stays engaging even in lighter air

Similar sailboats

12 comparable designs · similar LOA, displacement & rig