The Royal Irish Yacht Club at Dun Laoghaire Harbour played proud host to the opening salvo of the 2025 RS Feva season in April, as 52 young sailors from across Ireland descended on Dublin Bay for the RS Feva Eastern Championships. With entries from Cork, Ballyholme, Sligo, Dublin, Greystones and beyond, the event showcased not only competitive talent but the future generation of Irish sailing.
Split across gold and silver fleets, the young sailors were treated to classic Bay conditions—bracing north-easterlies topping 20 knots, blue skies, and brisk spring temperatures. The two-day event delivered a true test of seamanship, with International Race Officer Michael Tyrell efficiently managing six high-quality windward/leeward races that kept sailors on their toes.
Ballyholme’s Emily and Annabel Ridout were top of the class of the gold fleet, putting on a commanding performance that saw them take first place with near-total dominance. Close behind were local talents Finn Foley and Louie Murphy from the Royal St George Yacht Club in second, with Amy O’Halloran also of RSGYC and Molly O’Flaherty NYC rounding out the podium in third.
The silver fleet was no less intense, with Alex Mills and Eoin Jones from Cobh Sailing Club taking top honours. Rachel Kavanagh and Kohana Kennedy RSGYC secured a strong second, while Greystones’ Madison Liddle and Erin Callanan impressed with a hard-fought third.
The Ridout family, Mathew and his son Peter, clinched the Family Sailing Prize, sailing neck-and-neck with the overall winners—his daughters—throughout the regatta.
“The RIYC is always delighted to host youth events,” said Stephen Breen, Race Organiser. “It brings our community together—volunteers, coaches, and parents— collaborating to support the next generation of sailors. With help from our neighbours at NYC, INSS, and RSGYC, this weekend was a true celebration of youth sailing.”
“As the RS Feva class continues to grow, events like these underscore its importance in fostering the next generation of helms and crews. Not only do young sailors develop technical skill and resilience, but they also build lifelong friendships and a deep connection to the sport,” said Breen.
”Next stop on the RS Feva calendar is the much-anticipated RS Fest at Blessington Lakes on June 28–29. With camping, family-friendly options, and high-energy racing on offer, it promises to be a highlight of the summer said David Whelan, Feva Class Captain.
Registration is now open: RS Fest at Blessington – Book Here
