Rooster RS Feva UK Nationals 2025 - 93 boats attend first Championships in Scotland
by Chrissie Le Petit 3 Jun 2025 11:03 BST
Rooster RS Feva UK Nationals at Dalgety Bay © Phil Rydin-Orwin
The Feva class set sail for its very first National event in the stunning landscape of Scotland, graciously hosted by the Dalgety Bay Sailing Club. With a splendid gathering of 93 boats gracing the Championships, it became evident that when you build it, they shall indeed come. Families and schools were abuzz with excitement as they journeyed to Scotland, with an impressive array of home country boats joining the fleet.
As Friday dawned, sailors began to arrive, setting up their camps at the welcoming club. An early registration welcomed eager participants, their spirits soaring as they stepped into the magic of their National event. The club's hospitality created a wonderful village atmosphere, enveloping everyone in warmth.
Day 1 - On Saturday, registration opened, and sailors eagerly collected their 2025 merchandise. The competitors' briefing commenced in true Scottish fashion, with the vibrant sounds of bagpipes and drums echoing as the local sailors gracefully made their way to the front of the marquee.
By midday, the sailors launched their vessels, navigating towards the iconic Forth Bridge. The Blue and Yellow fleets engaged in a thrilling series of four races each, completing the qualifying rounds. A gripping tie emerged for first place, pitting Cassius Day and Harry O'Callaghan (Sail No. 8762) from Gurnard Sailing Club against the dynamic family duo, Thomas and Daniel Whitehead (Sail No. 8686) from Filey Sailing Club.
As the day culminated, sailors returned to the club for a magical evening where parents, volunteers, and sailors united for a delightful buffet and a traditional ceilidh hosted by Funkeilidh.
Day 2 - Sunday morning greeted us with fierce winds gusting to 50 knots, the Race Officers' early morning decision to abandon racing for the day was appreciated by everyone. This allowed families to explore the enchanting area, with Edinburgh's streets bustling with Feva sailors.
Later, sailors reconvened at the club for engaging off-water sessions before the Championship dinner and a lively disco in the marquee. The Race Officer made another wise call to postpone the start of racing for day 3 by 3 hours, allowing everyone to enjoy the evening and have a relaxed morning while waiting for the gale to blow through.
Day 3 - After a day of anticipation, sailors donned their finest fancy dress, ready to embark on the first day of gold and silver championship racing. The creativity of the costumes was truly impressive, leaving everyone curious about what wonders next year may bring.
With the remnants of the gale still challenging sailors, they set out mid-afternoon, returning to shore by eight o'clock in the evening. Regatta fleet coaches had diligently prepared their sailors for this championship racing, as they joined the silver fleet, navigating through a mix of conditions that tested their skills and resolve.
Day 4 - The final day of racing erupted with fast-paced, tactical sailing amidst the wild Scottish elements.
In the gold fleet, Ben Greenhalgh and Millie Greenhalgh (Sail No. 8818) from Port Dinorwic Sailing Club valiantly rose to the top, bringing home the title to Wales after finishing third in the qualifiers. Their achievements earned them the honours of National Champions, 1st Family and 1st Mixed team.
Claiming 2nd Overall were Thomas and Daniel Whitehead (Sail No. 8686) from Filey Sailing Club, who also secured 1st Boys and 2nd Family team. 3rd Overall went to Cassius Day and Harry O'Callaghan (Sail No. 8762) from Gurnard Sailing Club, who were also awarded 2nd Boys.
In the silver fleet, the victory belonged to Henry Ross and Matthew Wilcox (Sail No. 5859) from Netley Sailing Club, bringing pride to their Southampton club. Following them, Phoebe Greenhalgh and Raf Archer (Sail No. 8600) from Port Dinorwic Sailing Club claimed 2nd in the silver fleet, while William West and Elliot Allen from Starcross Yacht Club secured 3rd.
John MacKenzie, the Race Officer said "We were delighted to host the RS Feva Nationals. We were told it would be lots of fun, and it was. The quality of racing and sailing skills on display was great to watch, as Scotland served up some testing conditions. My thanks go to all the volunteers from the club and elsewhere who made it happen, and a special shout out to the squad of Young Ambassadors from Inverkeithing High School, who helped the competitors launch and get back up the slipway."
Regatta Coaches Joe Cox, Tess Crooks and support from Toby Smith were all extremely proud of the Regatta Fleet Sailors, especially when joining Silver fleet racing on the last two days.
As always, heartfelt gratitude extends to those who supported this event, ensuring its resounding success. A special thank you to Dalgety Bay Sailing Club, John MacKenzie our Race Officer, the race team, Lead Safety Alan Forsyth and the club event shore lead Ian Baillie, all whose preparations spanned over a year. To all the volunteers, both on and off the water, your unwavering support was invaluable. To the parents and sailors who travelled far and wide.
Our generous sponsors, Rooster for the prizes, Gailbraiths and GDL Ground Developments Limited for their support. Sailingfast, the Scottish dealer for RS Sailing, for their exceptional boat support throughout the event, even managing to squeeze in some family racing! To RYA Scotland, your support with RIBs for safety support was invaluable, thank you.
Great thanks goes to our photographer Phil Rydin-Orwin P.R.O Photography who provided a catalogue of photos. Sammy Issac-Johnson from Claire Courts School for bringing along a RS Aero for taster sessions. Some parents had a blast Aero sailing while the racing was on.
Our Nationals will forever be etched in the memories of sailors, parents, coaches, and volunteers, a testament to a fiercely competitive fleet filled with strong family contenders and remarkable participation from schools and sailors from every region across the UK, including a travelling team from the Netherlands.
National Champions: Ben Greenhalgh and Millie Greenhalgh (Sail No. 8600) from Port Dinorwic Sailing Club
Boys:
1st - Thomas and Daniel Whitehead (Sail No. 8686) from Filey Sailing Club
2nd - Cassius Day and Harry O'Callaghan (Sail No. 8762) from Gurnard Sailing Club
3rd - Matthew Boatman and Archie Denley (Sail No. 8642) from Sunderland Yacht Club
Girls:
1st - Rachel Elms and Laura Jubb (Sail No. 8639) from Hayling Island Sailing Club
2nd - Emily Ridout and Amelia Ridout (Sail No. 8830) from Ballyholme Yacht Club
3rd - Mia Hateley and Mona Nygard (Sail No. 8034) from Draycote Water Sailing Club
Mixed:
1st - Ben Greenhalgh and Millie Greenhalgh (Sail No. 8600) from Port Dinorwic Sailing Club
2nd - Zoe Lomas-Clarke and Mark Soars(Sail No. 5144) from Frensham Pond Sailing Club
3rd - Megan Gowers and Harry Bennell (Sail No. 8501) from Port Dinorwic Sailing Club
Juniors:
1st - Laia Priestley and Ben McCaldin (Sail No. 5424) from Ullswater Yacht Club
2nd - Harry Wilson and Molly Wilson (Sail No, 1287) from Filey Sailing Club
3rd - Cameron Ritchie and Finlay Ritchie (Sail No. 5441) from Aberdeen & Stonehaven Yacht Club
Family:
1st - Ben Greenhalgh and Millie Greenhalgh (Sail No. 8600) from Port Dinorwic Sailing Club
2nd - Thomas and Daniel Whitehead (Sail No. 8686) from Filey Sailing Club
3rd - Emily Ridout and Amelia Ridout (Sail No. 8830) from Ballyholme Yacht Club
Silver:
1st - Henry Ross and Matthew Wilcox (Sail No. 5859) from Netley Sailing Club
2nd - Phoebe Greenhalgh and Raf Archer (Sail No. 8600) from Port Dinorwic Sailing Club
3rd - William West and Elliot Allen from Starcross Yacht Club
Pro Am Award and 1st School Boat: Frederwick Wood and Edaurdo Ceron Blazquez from Windermere School
1st School: Sevenoaks School
1st Club: Gurnard Sailing Club
See full results at the RS Sailing report from this event.