Qualifiers Completed on Day 2 at the RS Feva World Championships
Day 2 of the 2024 RS Feva World Championships provided sailors with a consistent, though sometimes fickle, wind that allowed for three exciting races. The race team, now fully in their groove, set some great courses that tested the sailors’ abilities and strategic acumen – completing the qualification series. The stage is now set for the final series, with sailors divided into gold, silver, and bronze fleets based on their combined race scores minus their worse score.
Once again, it was Ben Greenhalgh and Tom Seinfeld of Port Dinorwic Sailing Club, who dominated the day, showcasing exemplary skill and leading the fleet. Their consistent performance has set a high standard for the rest of the competitors.
They were closely followed by the Dutch team Doeke van Surksum and Sven van Dartel of WV Arne, with another GBR boat, Ed Stubbs and Noah Kenny of Lyme Regis Sailing Club, securing the third spot.
The night was long for the jury, as they were busy handling several protests, requests for redress, and scoring inquiries. Sailors were keen to ensure that their efforts would place them in their desired fleets for the final series. This intense scrutiny and attention to detail highlighted the competitive spirit and determination of all participants; see Day 2 results here.
As we move into Tuesday, the final series will commence, and the battle for the World Champion title continues. However, there will be a two-hour postponement due to an unfavourable morning weather forecast, giving sailors and their families a bit of extra time to rest. The forecast looks more promising for the afternoon, and the anticipation is building.
Tuesday night promises to be a delightful experience with a food truck extravaganza. Various food trucks will serve a range of options from traditional burgers and pizzas through to local delicacies. This food festival is a first for the championships and is expected to be a great fun, offering everyone the opportunity to choose their favourite foods and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere.
“This stage of the championship – where competition heats up – is always thrilling,” says International RS Feva Class Secretary Lucy Jameson. “It’s wonderful to see those in the gold fleet vying for the world champion status, while the silver and bronze fleets enjoy close-knit racing among sailors of similar skill levels. The camaraderie and friendship among the competitors is just as important as the fierce competition, and it’s clear that everyone is enjoying their time, regardless of their ranking.”
As the week progresses, it will be fascinating to watch the competition unfold and see who will emerge as the next World Champions. Currently, the gold fleet is notably diverse, with the Italians leading the charge with the greatest number of competitors. This mix of international talent is what makes the RS Feva World Championships a truly global event. Looking forward to the rest of the week, we can expect more exciting races, continued displays of sailing excellence, and a celebration of the sport’s community spirit. Who will claim the title of world champion? We eagerly await the answer as the final series begins.
This event is made possible by subsidy from Provincie Zeeland.