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RS Fevas Program Case Study: Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
Club: Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
Location: NSW
Contact: Dan Smith | dan.smith@rsys.com.au
About the project
Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron introduced a fleet of six RS Feva boats in October 2025 through the RS Feva Women and Girls Participation Project, supporting youth development and increasing participation in sailing, particularly among girls.
The boats have been integrated into a range of club programs, including RS dinghy pathways, youth development programs for sailors aged 12–17, and introductory sessions designed to transition sailors from Optimists into double-handed sailing. The program focuses on building skills, confidence, and teamwork along with asymmetrical spinnakers offering a new dynamic compared to single-handed classes.
The RS Fevas have also been used in a SheSails clinic in February, providing girls with opportunities to develop in a supportive, social, and team-based environment. The club is continuing to build momentum, with plans to expand the RS Fevas into winter club racing to further embed the boats into regular programming.
How the boats are being used
The RS Feva boats are being used across a range of programs aimed at introducing and developing young sailors:
- Youth development programs for sailors aged 12–17 (9–12 participants each Sunday, October–March)
- RS Feva development programs to support progression from Optimists (post-training sessions)
- SheSails clinics (6 participants in the initial clinic)
- School sailing programs: RS Fevas have been very beneficial for students to learn asymmetrical spinnakers, with plastic hulls that are damage-resistant and provide a more fun, real sailing experience compared to Pacer dinghies.
- Planned integration into winter club racing to build regular participation
Outcomes and impact
The introduction of RS Feva boats has supported participation growth and created new pathways for female sailors:
- Increased female participation: The program has attracted girls who may not have otherwise engaged with sailing at the club.
- Skill development and progression: Sailors have been able to transition from Optimists into a more advanced, double-handed class, developing new technical and teamwork skills.
- Teamwork and confidence: The double-handed format encourages collaboration, communication, and shared responsibility, supporting confidence and enjoyment on the water.
Why RS Fevas have been effective
RS Feva boats provide a strong platform for engaging girls in sailing by offering a team-based alternative to single-handed classes. This format creates a more social and supportive environment, helping sailors build confidence while developing technical and interpersonal skills.
Dan Smith from Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron shares his thoughts:
“RS Feva is in a really positive position for growth in Australia, with a strong international foundation and increasing local momentum. The class offers a clear, exciting pathway for youth sailors stepping into double-handed racing, and that’s starting to gain recognition.”
He added:
“The next phase is about building the structure to match that potential—particularly through a national class association and stronger integration into major regattas. Internationally, the class continues to thrive, particularly in New Zealand, where strong organisation and consistent event integration are driving participation.”
