RS Sailing launch the brand new Mk2 RS Feva

by Lynn Billowes 17 Sep 2022 23:43 NZST

RS Sailing are thrilled to announce the launch of the Mk2 RS Feva. As part of an ongoing commitment to their customers and the desire to ensure the best possible experience with their boats, RS Sailing are continually developing and perfecting their products.

Their latest project has focussed on the RS Feva. After 20 years of successful manufacturing and having established the RS Feva as a trusted choice globally for families, clubs and National Authorities, they have implemented a deck design upgrade for the RS Feva.

The Mk2 RS Feva has been developed by the RS Design & Technologies Team. Throughout the process of updating the RS Feva deck design, RS Sailing ensured that they maintained the original hull shape ensuring the Mk1 RS Feva would not become obsolete. The Mk2 developments will give the boat greater durability and better ease of use for a wider range of sailors.

Jon Partridge, RS Sailing CEO - Commercial, commented, "As many of you know, I'm incredibly passionate about the RS Feva, and it's a class that I hold close to my heart. The Mk2 design upgrades will not only ensure that the RS Feva has better ease of use, durability and easier maintenance, but it will fortify the future of this ever-growing class. I'm excited about next season already!".

Deck Redesign

The deck has been brought up to date. This has allowed RS Sailing to;

• Redesign the foredeck and tack bar to improve spinnaker deployment and retrieval.
• Redesign moulded-in handholds - making holding the RS Feva whilst launching and entering the boat after a capsize significantly easier.
• Redesign the outer parts of the thwart by lowering them, allowing the helm to move more easily through the boat.
• Redesign the deck to allow us the use of common parts from RS Sailing's specifically designed components range.

Toestraps

• The toestraps have been updated to allow the use of RS toestrap plates. This is beneficial for two reasons; firstly, it means they will be adjustable whilst afloat using a simple buckle, and secondly, they will be more durable due to the addition of the toestrap plates.

Transom Fittings

• The transom has been redesigned to allow for the addition of a transom well and to use specifically designed RS components.
• The transom well allows the transom bolts to be threaded captive through the hull, and it will enable easy access if any maintenance is required.
• The Mk1 bolts traditionally bolted into the transom have now been upgraded to captive bolts that go through the hull. With the added security of using a nylock nut in the Mk2 model, the vibration-resistant nuts will ensure that they are much less likely to work themselves loose over time.
• A new gudgeon has been used, which is again a specifically designed RS component. The gudgeon has a lock system encased within it, removing any risk of human error that the old system was susceptible to. This is a much more robust method of retaining a rudder stock, and it is a lot more userfriendly, especially for younger sailors.
• The RS drainage assemblies will make a huge difference to sailors as they can now sit stationary in light winds or reverse on a start line without the fear of filling the cockpit with water. The flaps on the system create a seal that stops water from entering through the assemblies.

Shroud Attachment

• The shroud attachment point has been updated from a U bolt to an RS eye bolt.

Kicker Upgrade

• A 6:1 kicker will be standard spec for the RS Feva S, RS Feva Race and RS Feva XL. This will ensure all RS Feva sailors have the control systems required to sail the boat well.

Rudder Stock

• The Mk2 RS Feva will use a new twin pintle rudder stock. Paired with new gudgeons, this system will be a much more robust method of retaining the rudder stock to the transom.

Spinnaker Tray

• The Mk2 RS Feva will use a newly designed fabric spinnaker tray and a top plastic plate. This will provide considerably easier access to the pole rigging as the fabric spinnaker tray can be pulled to one side or untied to gain access.

Tack Bar

• The tack bar has been redesigned to enable a smoother spinnaker deployment and retrieval.

Thwart

• The outer parts of the thwart have been lowered, which will allow the helm to move through the boat with greater ease.

The MK1 RS Feva hull and deck shape remain fundamentally the same, the underwater profile is identical, and all the spars, foils and sails for the RS Feva are compatible with the MK2 hull. RS Sailing can confidently assure owners that no boats will become obsolete due to the Mk2 upgrades.

Alex Newton-Southon, RS Sailing CEO - Design & Technologies, commented, "It felt right after 20 years of successful manufacturing to focus on the RS Feva. The RS Feva has been a global success, and we were incredibly conscious that any changes needed to enhance the sailing and ownership experience without making the Mk1 obsolete. We're thrilled with the final design of the Mk2 RS Feva and look forward to seeing upcoming junior sailors enjoying it for the next decade!".

RS Sailing will have stock of the Mk2 RS Feva available in the UK by the Autumn/Winter of 2022, with stock making its way out to their global network shortly after that point.

Get in touch with your local RS Sailing dealer to find out more.

Watch the live Facebook launch from Southampton International Boat Show here: