The RS Feva Class is on the rebound in Dún Laoghaire thanks to the determined efforts of a small group of parents from the waterfront clubs and collaboration with RS Sailing agent MarineServices.ie. Last winter, plans were laid to see good numbers in the local RS Feva events and get boats not currently regularly on the water back racing, and Kenny Rumball was determined that the Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School would play its part.
Heather from MarineServices.ie got to work and developed a one-stop Feva renewal clinic, assessing the current RS Fevas in the Dun Laoghaire waterfront clubs as well as the school to modernize control systems, rigging and sails.
As a result, there were six race-ready RS Fevas at the Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School, and when word was put out to parents and students of the summer and winter programmes about a 6-week coaching programme culminating in participating in the RS Feva East Coast Championships, all 12 opportunities in this double-handed class were filled in under two days.
Heather from MarineServices.ie joined the sailing school’s coach Ronan Mooney to deliver the six Saturday morning training sessions. The school’s programmes have always emphasized participation and enjoyment, and serious racing doesn’t often feature as it has to be accomplished in a manner where all those participating feel an accomplishment, regardless of the results. So when the group met for the first time, the emphasis was on enjoying the event as nearly all of the group had never participated in a competitive sailing event.
After six weeks of coaching, the final crews of the five boats received a huge boost with five brand new RS Feva XL sails ahead of their inaugural competition. Keen to support the National Yacht Club in running the event, a RIB and crew from the school were on the water to assist in safety and event coordination. This also provided familiar faces to the school’s sailing crews, helping to disperse nerves that understandably are associated with any competitive event.
Racing at the RS Feva Easterns at Dun Laoghaire Harbour
A major highlight for the coaches was watching the five boats round the windward mark and without hesitation all hosting their kites despite some hesitation from others in the fleet and catching up as many as 5 places. “ We could not be more proud of them. These children had never been on a start line before and despite this all managed to come away with a prize and lots of laughs a fantastic weekend all round.” said Heather Wright who assisted in the coaching delivered by school instructor Ronan Mooney.
The Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School would like to say a huge thanks to all involved in the event and for making the novice racers feel so welcome. “While the school might be new to this, don't you worry, this is just the beginning,” said Kenny Rumball, centre Principal and Irish RS Sailing agent.
Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School Team Results
- 11th Overall: John Healy& Daniel Burns
- 12th Overall: Finn Byrne & Joe Gaffney
- 19th Overall: Kealan Reilly & Oisin O'Reilly
- 20th Overall: Orla Casey & Carla Williamson
- 21st Overall: Theo Homan & Manus O Baoighill
