RS Feva User manual

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OWNER’S MANUAL
Version 2
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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
2. EC CONFORMITY AND IDENTIFICATION
3. SAFETY INFORMATION
3.1 Design Category
3.2 Loading
3.3 Safety Equipment
3.4 Capsize Recovery
3.5 Air Tank
3.6 Man Overboard Prevention and Recovery
3.7 Use of an Outboard Engine
3.8 Towing, Anchoring, Mooring, and Trailing
4. COMMISSIONING
4.1 Preparation
4.2 Unpacking
4.3 Rigging the Mast
4.4 Stepping the Mast
4.5 Rigging the Boom
4.6 The Daggerboard
4.7 The Rudder
4.8 Hoisting the Mainsail
4.9 Rigging the Jib
4.10 Rigging the Gennaker
4.11 Completion
5. SAILING HINTS
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Launching
5.3 Leaving the Beach
5.4 Sailing Close-Hauled and Tacking
5.5 Sailing Downwind and Gybing

5.6 Using the Gennaker
5.7 Reefing
6. MAINTENANCE
6.1 Boat Care
6.2 Foil Care
6.3 Spar Care
6.4 Sail Care
6.5 Fixtures & Fittings
7. WARRANTY
8. GLOSSARY
9. APPENDIX
9.1 Useful Websites & Recommended Reading
9.2 Basic RS Feva Tuning Guide
9.3 RS Feva Gennaker Pole System
9.4 RS Feva Life Cycle
9.5 Three Essential Knots
9.6 RS Feva Logbook
All terms highlighted in blue throughout the Manual can be found in the Glossary of
Terms.
Warnings, Top Tips, and Important Information are displayed in a yellow box.

1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on the purchase of your new RS Feva and thank you for choosing
an RS product. We are confident that you will have many hours of great sailing and
racing in this truly excellent design.
The RS Feva is an exciting boat to sail and offers fantastic performance. This
manual has been compiled to help you to gain the maximum enjoyment from your
RS Feva, in a safe manner. It contains details of the craft, the equipment supplied or
fitted, its systems, and information on its safe operation and maintenance. Please
read this manual carefully and be sure that you understand its contents before using
your RS Feva.
This manual will not instruct you in boating safety or seamanship. If this is your first
boat, or if you are changing to a type of craft that you are not familiar with, for your
own safety and comfort, please ensure that you have adequate experience before
assuming command of the craft. If you are unsure, RS, your RS dealer, or your
national sailing federation – for example, the Royal Yachting Association – will be
able to advise you of a local sailing school, or a competent instructor.
Please keep this manual in a secure place and hand it over to the new owner if
you sell the boat.
For further information, spares, and accessories, please contact:
LDC Racing Sailboats
Trafalgar Close
Chandlers Ford
Eastleigh
Hants SO53 4BW
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
For details on your local RS dealer, please visit www.rssailing.com

2. EC CONFORMITY AND IDENTIFICATION
The RS Feva complies with the EU Directive for Recreational Craft (RCD) which sets
safety requirements for recreational boats sold in Europe. Each RS Feva carries the
CE mark to indicate this compliance. The CE Mark is on the Builder’s Plate in the
cockpit. The Builder’s Plate also includes important safety information which is
described in detail elsewhere in this manual.
Compliance with the EU Directive for Recreational Craft (RCD) is also demonstrated
by the EC Declaration of Conformity in this manual (see page 6).
A RS Feva dinghy can be identified by the Craft Identification Number, which is a
unique serial number on the starboard side of the transom,and is shown on the EC
Declaration of Conformity in this manual.
Each RS Feva is also assigned a unique sail number, which is marked on the bottom
of the CE Declaration form, or can be obtained from RS Racing or your RS dealer.
Normally, it is a requirement that your sail numbers are displayed at sailing regattas.
Sail numbers can be purchased from RS, your RS dealer, or from a sailmaker.

EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY TO
DIRECTIVE 2003/44/CE
I declare that the craft described as:
RS Feva
Conforms to EU Recreational Craft Directive 2003/44/EC
Annex 1 – sections 3.2 & 3.3 and Annex 6 – Module A
Module A – Internal production control – self-assessment
ISO Standards BS EN ISO 10087, 12217, 12215, 10240,
14945, 8666
Trade Marque RS Racing
Type RS Feva
Design Category C
Maximum Crew 3
Maximum Load 225kg
Overall Length 3.64m Overall Beam 1.42m
Builders Name LDC Racing Sailboats,
Trafalgar Close, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, England.
Date __ / __ / __ (The date does not indicate the date of manufacture)
Signed:
Alex Newton-Southon

RS FEVA TECHNICAL DATA
Length Overall (LOA): 3.64 m 12’0”
Beam: 1.42 m 4’ 8”
Hull Weight: 68 kg 136 lb
Reefing Mainsail: 5.5 m² 57sq ft
3 Batten Mainsail: 6.5 m² 68sq ft
Jib: 2.1 m² 22sq ft
Gennaker: 7.0 m² 73sq ft

3. SAFETY INFORMATION
•Before attempting to operate the boat, ensure that you have the
appropriate experience to handle the boat safely in the
anticipated sea and wind conditions
•Ensure that all the crew have sufficient boating experience and
are familiar with emergency procedures, capsize recovery, and
towing.
•Always check the weather forecast before leaving shore, and
ensure that the predicted weather and sea conditions are
suitable for the boat (see 3.1).
•Clothing should be suitable for the anticipated weather
conditions and footwear appropriate for boating.
•Before going afloat, all persons should be wearing a suitable
buoyancy aid (e.g. a life jacket or a personal floatation device),
which should be worn at all time when on the water. Note that in
some countries it is a legal requirement to wear a buoyancy aid
that complies with their national regulations at all times.
•It is recommended that you carry a whistle or a horn to attract
attention in case further assistance is required.
•The owner/helmsman is responsible for the safe operation of
the boat.
•The owner/helmsman’s responsibilities include the proper
preparation and maintenance of the boat and safety equipment,
knowledge of the boat operation, safety training of the crew,
following the navigation rules (including knowledge of the
Collision Regulations and local navigation rules), care of the
environment, insurance and, where necessary, registration.

3.1 Design Category
The RS Feva is a Design Category C boat. A Design Category C boat may be sailed
in:
•Design Category: C – ‘inshore’
•Description of Use: Designed for voyages in coastal waters,
large bays, estuaries, lakes, and rivers.
•Wind Force: Up to and including Beaufort Force 6.
•Significant Wave Height: Up to and including 2 metres.
The RS Feva complies with this design category, subject to:
•The crew having suitable skill and experience.
•Satisfactory maintenance of the boat and its equipment.
Users of this boat are advised that:
•All crew should receive suitable training.
•The boat should not carry more than the maximum load of 100kg.
•The amount of water within the hull (i.e. inside the buoyancy compartment)
should be kept to a minimum.
•Any weight added to the mast will reduce the stability of the boat.

3.2 Loading
The RS Feva is designed to be sailed by no more than three people. However, it is
recommended that you do not exceed the maximum loading of 225 kg, including any
equipment added to the basic rigged boat, e.g. an anchor. To enable the boat to be
righted safely, the minimum recommended crew weight is 40 kg.
All the crew and equipment should be evenly distributed to ensure that the boat
is upright and approximately level. Heavy items, such as an anchor, should be
securely fixed to avoid movement when under weigh.
3.3 Safety Equipment
It is your responsibility to ensure that all of the necessary safety equipment is
obtained for the type of sailing that you are participating in, and that it is readily
accessible on board at all times.
Top Tip
We recommend that you sail in a location where there is adequate safety-boat cover,
should you get into any difficulty, especially whilst learning to sail your new boat.
Do not use with more than three persons on board.
Ensure that the combined weight of all persons on board, plus any added items,
does not exceed 225 kg.

3.4 Capsize Recovery
Like all small sailing dinghies, the RS Feva may capsize when sailing. A ‘capsize
warning’ symbol (the upside-down boat) is shown on the Builder’s Plate to warn of
this possibility. The RS Feva is designed to recover quickly from a capsize, or
inversion, and continue to sail without the need for bailing. The recommended
technique for capsize recovery is described below. It is recommended to first
practice capsize recovery on a calm day, with safety-boat cover.
Capsize Recovery
The RS Feva mast is sealed to provide buoyancy so, if you are in the water, the boat
will normally float on its side for a while after a capsize. As the boat capsizes, you
should endeavour to fall cleanly into the water, trying to avoid catching sheets or
toestraps as you fall. You should initially ensure that:
1. If you were using the gennaker when you capsized, ensure that it is fully
recovered in the chute before attempting to right the boat.
2. Make sure that the main sheet and the jib sheet are not in the cleat.
Swim round to the daggerboard, grab hold of its tip, and pull down. The boat should
start to right itself slowly at first, and then quite quickly. As soon as it is the right way
up, climb back into the cockpit, trying to keep the boat as upright as possible at all
times, to avoid a further capsize. When climbing in, you can pull the gunwhale
Please note that the following information is a suggested response to a capsize
situation, and is not a substitute for an approved training course. For more information,
please see www.rya.org.uk
Remember – Keep hold of the boat when you are in the water

closer to the water using the side safety line, and then grab the toe strap to pull
yourself in. It is best to do this over the windward side of the boat, to avoid another
capsize. Alternatively, if the boat is pointing into the wind, you can go around to the
transom and climb in there. Once you are back on board, check that the ropes are
not caught on anything and then you can continue sailing.
Dry Capsize
If you know that you are about to capsize, you can climb over the gunwhale and onto
the daggerboard as the boat heels. As the boat starts to right itself, climb back into
the centre of the cockpit This can be quick and you remain dry, but if you stay on the
capsized hull and are not quick to move out, your weight may cause the boat to
invert.
Capsize Recovery From Inversion
If the boat does invert, you will probably end up in the water outside the boat. In this
case, reach up to the bilge rail on the bottom of the boat and, using this as a finger
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hold for one hand, stretch out with the other hand and grab the daggerboard. When
you have a firm grip on the daggerboard, pull yourself onto the hull, and kneel or
stand as close to the edge as possible without slipping off. Keeping hold of the
daggerboard, lean back and the boat will slowly return to floating on its side. From
here, you will be able to carry out a standard capsize recovery. When righting the
boat from inversion, more leverage can be gained by standing up on the inverted
gunwhale, and pulling the tip of the daggerboard.
If you come up under the boat just after it has inverted, you will find plenty of air and
head space in the cockpit. However, this situation can be a worry for the safety-boat
crew as they cannot see where you are, so quickly duck under the cockpit side to the
outside of the boat to show that you are OK. If you are tired or cold and need
assistance, stay next to the inverted boat by holding the side safety lines and try to
attract the attention of a rescue boat.
WARNING
If the boat has capsized “on top” of you, or “to windward” as it is known, there
is more chance of the boat inverting. You should ensure that you and your
crew are well clear of the hull as the boat fully inverts. Remember to keep hold
of a rope that is attached to the boat, i.e. the jib sheet or main sheet
WARNING
If the mast is lying into the wind during a capsize recovery, the boat will flip up
quickly and may capsize again. In this situation, be prepared to climb in and
balance the boat quickly.

3.5 Air Tank
The RS Feva is equipped with a sealed buoyancy compartment, in case of capsize
or swamping. The buoyancy compartment is formed by the hull and deck mouldings
and consequently the following points should be noted:
Occasionally, a small amount of water will get into the buoyancy compartment, and
this can be removed through the drain hole in the transom. Always remember to
check that there is no water in the hull and that the bung is secure in the drain hole
before launching.
!Do not puncture the buoyancy compartment.
!Should the buoyancy compartment become punctured, do not use the
boat until the compartment is properly repaired. If in any doubt, contact
RS Racing for repair details.
!It is against class rules to add any fittings, although you may have to
replace fittings from time to time. Ensure that all fastenings are resealed
properly using an appropriate sealant. If in any doubt, contact RS
Racing for details.
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3.6 Man Overboard Prevention and Recovery
Working Deck
The working deck of the RS Feva, which is intended to be occupied when the boat is
afloat, is the area covered with a non-slip coating. This area includes:
•The entire cockpit floor, including the kick-blocks and the daggerboard case,
from the aft end up to the mast foot.
•The top surface and outside edge of the side deck, from the aft end to the
recess for the shroud points.
•The central thwart can also be used as a place to sit. It is not recommended
that this is used as somewhere to stand, as it does not have a non-slip texture
and may be slippery.
Crew Overboard Recovery
The RS Feva is designed to be sailed by up to three people. However, it can be
sailed single-handed. If sailing alone, it is recommended that you ensure adequate
safety cover is in attendance before launching.
To minimise the risk of falling overboard, never stand up in the boat or sit on the
decks, other than the side deck to balance the boat, when it is under weigh. Should
you fall overboard while sailing alone, the boat will soon capsize allowing you to
swim to it and follow the capsize recovery procedures described in 3.4.
If a crew member falls overboard while there are two people sailing, the person on
board can assist recovery by manoeuvring the boat back to the person in the water,
stopping the boat (turning into the wind if sailing), and helping to balance the boat as
the other person climbs back in.
To recover a crew member from the water:
•The helm should stop the boat just downwind of the person in the water.
•The helm should balance the boat, using a combination of body weight
movement and sail pressure.

•With the help of the person on board, the crew should board the boat via the
windward gunwhale, or over the transom using the toe strap to help to pull
themselves in.
Top Tip
If you attend an approved sailing instruction course, you will learn how to recover a
man overboard quickly and effectively. Please see www.rya.org.uk for a list of
recommended institutions.
3.7 Use of an Outboard Engine
The RS Feva is not designed, equipped, or capable of modification for use with an
outboard engine.

3.8 Towing, Anchoring, Mooring, and Trailing
Towing on the Water
We recommend the following procedure for towing your RS Feva:
Feva S
•Secure the towing line around the mast, as low down to the mast gate as
possible. If the mast has failed, then the towing line can be tied to the lifting
handle at the front of the boat.
•Lower and stow the mainsail.
•Fully raise or remove the daggerboard.
•Stay at the tiller. In the event of rudder loss, sit well aft.
Feva XL
•Secure the towing line around the tack bar.
•Lower and stow all sails
•Fully raise or remove the daggerboard.
•Stay at the tiller. In the event of rudder loss, sit well aft.
Anchoring
The RS Feva can be anchored for short periods of time. The anchor line should be
secured around the base of the mast (Feva S), or around the tack bar (Feva XL).
The sails should be lowered or securely stowed, and the rudder and the
daggerboard should be raised completely.
REMEMBER
An anchor is a heavy piece of equipment. You must ensure that you are not
overloading your RS Feva, and that the anchor is securely stowed when not in
use to prevent damage to the boat or the crew!

Mooring
The RS Feva can be moored on a buoy or on a pontoon for short periods. When
mooring on a buoy, ensure that the mooring line is securely fastened to the forward
lifting handle (Feva S), or around the tack bar (Feva XL).
When mooring along side a pontoon, a mooring line can be attached to either the
forward lifting handle (Feva S) or round the tack bar (Feva XL), and around the aft
end of the rear toestraps. Always remember to use some padding between your RS
Feva and the object that you are mooring against!
Trailing and Transporting Your RS Feva
The RS Feva can be trailed behind the majority of cars. When trailing your RS Feva,
you should only use an approved trolley and road base. Care must be taken when
tying the boat to its trailer because too much or too little tension could result in
damage. We recommend the following procedure for safe trailing:
•Ensure that the boat is located correctly on the trolley, with the bow securely
in the bow snubber of the trolley.
•Ensure that the trolley is properly located on the road base, and that the
retaining pin is fitted.
•Tie the boat down to the road base, at the bow, and across the middle. You
only need to apply sufficient tension to hold the boat in contact with the trolley
supports. Use padding material where any straps touch the deck.
The RS Feva is designed to be transported easily on the roof of most cars. If you are
planning to transport your RS Feva on the roof of your car, we recommend the use
of the RS Feva Folding Launching Trolley, as the combination of the hull and the RS
Feva Standard Launching Trolley may exceed the manufacturer’s weight limit for the
car.

Always ensure that the roof rack is firmly fixed to the car, in accordance with the
roof-rack manufacturers fitting instructions, and check that the maximum roof load
limit for the car is greater than the combined weight of the roof rack, RS Feva hull,
spars, sail, and anything else carried on the roof. Allow 70kg for the RS Feva hull,
spars and sail.
Top Tip
Remember to tie the boat down when it is left in the dinghy compound, to prevent
damage in the event of strong winds.

4. COMMISSIONING
4.1 Preparation
Your RS Feva comes complete with all the components necessary to take the boat
sailing. In order to commission it, you will need the following tools:
•Pliers, or a shackle key
•PVC Electrician’s Tape
You may require other tools later, should you wish to make any setting or tuning
adjustments to the boat or the rig. You will also need to tie some particular knots,
such as a bowline and a figure of eight. If you are unfamiliar with the knot, please
see Appendix 9.5 Three Essential Knots.
Whilst your RS Feva has been carefully prepared, it is important that new owners
should check that shackles and knots are tight. This is especially important when the
boat is new, as travelling can loosen seemingly tight fittings and knots. It is also
important to check such items regularly prior to sailing.
4.2 Unpacking
Having unpacked your RS Feva, you should check that you have all of the items
listed below before throwing away any of the packing, as there may be some small
items still wrapped:
•1 x RS Feva hull
•1 x mast top section
•1 x mast lower section
DO NOT use a knife or other sharp object to cut through packaging containing
parts – you may damage the contents!