Ben Greenhalgh comes from a Bangor Co Down sailing family, and he races an RS Feva at Port Dinorwic SC near the Welsh Bangor on the Menai Straits. Ben is the joint winner with Topper sailor, Jess Powell, of the Yachting Journalist Association (YJA) Young Sailor of the Year award.
A boost to the RS Feva Irish Nationals fleet, it looks as though fifteen-year-old Ben and his crew Tom Sinfield (14) along with two other Welsh boats, will make the trip to the other Bangor on the North Down coast in August for the Irish Championships at Ballyholme Yacht Club in August.
For Ben’s father, Simon, it’s like a Deja Vue as he used to race Cadet dinghies at Ballyholme in a class coached by his father, David. Simon is now Chairman of the RS Feva Association and says he is encouraging more Fevas from the rest of the UK to travel to Bangor.
BYC Cadets at Pwllheli 1987 Worlds. Simon Greenhalgh front right and David Greenhalgh back left
Ben Greenhalgh became a double world champion in 2023, winning the RS Tera World Championships and the RS Feva Worlds.
Glynis Ridout, who is one of the movers and shakers in the local Feva class, says, “This will be a well-attended event with a strong turnout in all three classes - Juniors (under 13), Seniors (18 and under) and Family (parent and child). The Nationals will run alongside the first event in the UK Feva class GP Series 24/25 to be run in Northern Ireland and we are planning a fantastic weekend for the sailors and their families with fun evening events. The combined entries could see 40 or more Fevas on the start line”.
Taster Team racing is scheduled for the Friday (16TH). This will have a separate sign-up and is an optional add-on event, and those taking part do not need to have any team racing experience. Boats will be placed randomly into teams on the day. This event will also have some super prizes.
There will be camping and motor home spaces available for those wishing to base themselves at the club, and a good range of Airbnbs and holiday accommodations will be available nearby.
The event is scheduled for 16th till 18th August, and entries will open in about a month.
