New Mk2 RS Feva arrives in New Zealand - Order now!
by NZ Sailcraft 12 Jan 00:45 UTC
12 January 2024
Mk2 RS Feva has many new features, but will not obselete the existing class boats © RS Sailing
The long-awaited MK2 RS Fevas are arriving in New Zealand at the end of January.
It was launched 18 months ago in the UK and is now being exported throughout the world.
The external hull shape, weight and rig is unchanged from the Mk1, and existing boats will not be rendered obsolete by the Mk2.
After 20 years of successful manufacturing and having established the RS Feva as a trusted choice globally for families, clubs and National Authorities, RS Sailing 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, we ensured that we 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," says RS Sailing.
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.”
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, which will allow the helm to move more easily through the boat.
- Redesign the deck to allow us the use of common parts from our 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 also allows 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, these 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.
RS Sailing reassures current owners of the MK1 RS Feva that the 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. "We can confidently assure owners that no boats will become obsolete due to the Mk2 upgrades," RS Sailing says.
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!”
For a limited time, NZ Sailcraft are offering all covers included in the package.
To further discuss the RS Feva Mk2 launch can contact Hayden at NZ Sailcraft on 027 2102383 or
The next event is the North Island Champs held at Maraetai Sailing Club www.sporty.co.nz/maraetaisailingclub/regattas/202324-rs-feva-traveller-series-north-island-1
Check out the NZ Feva Association Calender updates here www.facebook.com/nzrsfeva