RS Feva World Championships at Hayling Island SC preview

by Golly Tucker on 22 Jun 2012 RS Feva World Championships 2012 get underway in one month’s time, 21st to 27th July, at Hayling Island Sailing Club in Great Britain. The Olympics start one week later, immediately after our prize giving!

This exciting two person junior sailing boat sees the return of the reigning world champion, Matt Whitfield (15) from Penarth to defend his crown won last year in Holland but this time with James Taylor(15) as crew.

A snapshot of those involved so far: 350 sailors, 13 countries, three continents, 41 all girl pairings, 32 family pairings, 13 U13 pairings, possibly the best international level inter schools competition on the planet with 22 from Oakham School, Sevenoaks, Claires Court School and Stamford, 44 different UK clubs with largest single club being the hosts HISC with 15 and the largest contingent from overseas the Royal Maas in the Netherlands with nine. The top two UK boats in their selection series were both lady helmed teams with Anna Prescott and Jess Eales edging it from Jenny Smallwood and Jamie Webb. Interestingly the top Swedish team is also female - Sofia Lundgren and Frida Winzell. The youngest competitor is believed to be a 9yr old who will be competing with his father. We are expecting some five parents to be sailing with their own youngsters! There is even one NED/GBR team competing!

Hayling Island Sailing Club have huge experience at putting on major events like this (last year they held a 115 boat worlds for the Flying Fifteens and the summer before they hosted over a three week period a variety of Laser class worlds numbering hundreds). This time however, there are also all the families of the youngsters to fill the place. It is sure to be buzzing all day long.

Racing will be conducted in three fleets with Gold, Silver and Bronze fleets being selected after a three day qualification series. There will be a full on games night with all the inflatable games (human table football, bungee runs, surfboats, etc all powered by candy floss!), BBQ’s, beach games and the Stadium Style Nations Cup. That last one is held one evening with very short courses and one boat per nation – spectator sport! The Prize giving will flow into a UK Association sponsored party that will feature the Olympics opening ceremony on large screen!