RS Sailing
Premier Way, Abbey Park
Romsey Hampshire SO51 9DQ
01794 526760
RS Sailing
Premier Way, Abbey Park
Romsey Hampshire SO51 9DQ
01794 526760

America’s Cup Endeavour Junior RS Feva Regatta

June 19, 2017
America's Cup Endeavour RS Feva Junior Regatta, Bermuda 2017

For the first time at an America’s Cup there has been a Junior Regatta alongside the main event. The brain child of Sir Russell Coutts, and run by the Endeavour Program this event was designed to inspire the next generation of young sailors. It is fair to say that this event has blown at least 32 young sailors away!

As the RS Feva sailors arrived with their chaperones on Monday, the America’s Cup Endeavour Program staff did an amazing job of getting everyone to where they needed to be. RS Sailing had arranged accommodation on the beautiful Port Island for all the RS Feva sailors taking part in the regatta. The stunning Port Island is located between the Great Sand and Hamilton in the Warwickshire parish. This amazing little island would become the base camp for the week. Whenever there was a quiet moment swimming and kayaking were a must. The chaperones and the parents soon found a way to fill the fridge with cold beers, and spend time under the veranda looking out over the kids having fun discussing who’s going to win the America’s Cup.

Day one of the event started with the sailors arrival at the America’s Cup Endeavour base. 16 charter boats were soon allocated to the 16 teams from 12 nations. Eight of the charter boats belong to the Endeavour Program itself. The other boats were kindly loaned by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. The sailors took some time to familiarize themselves and tinker with their boats making sure they were set up in a way they are used too for racing for this regatta.

That afternoon the young sailors were in for their first treat, a ride on the beautiful Spirit of Bermuda, the trip took the group all the way to Hamilton and back to the Docklands dockyard. A nice fly past by Groupama Team France and a guided tour around this classic boat made for a special afternoon. At the end of a very long day a wonderful ferry boat ferry pilot called JR returned us all back to the island for more swimming and kayaking.

America’s Cup boats Endeavour Junior RS Feva Regatta.

Day two – Practice Day

The last chance to get the boats set up. Sailors had a quick briefing from Hayden Whitburn, Northsails legend, PRO for the RS Feva event. The 16 RS Feva’s made their way onto the water and out through the Docklands across the Great Sound to Spanish point. Three quick practice races were completed giving the race committee and the sailors a great chance to get used to the conditions on the course. The length of each race was a target time of 22 minutes to make it as much like the America’s Cup racing as possible with the windward and leeward gates, giving the kids lots of tactical options on which way to go at the top and the bottom of the course.

America’s Cup Endeavour RS Feva Junior Regatta – photo © Jon Partridge
America’s Cup Endeavour RS Feva Junior Regatta – photo © Jon Partridge
The surprise leader on the first practice race was a young team from Bermuda, Ruth and Joanna. Both sailors had learnt to sail through the Endeavour Program and had less experience than the rest of the sailors here so this was a fantastic result for them. Once it was clear that the race committee and the sailors were well practiced it was back to the boat park and off for an evening with some of the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup sailors. The RS Feva sailors had the opportunity to get on board an AC45, the official Youth America’s Cup boat. Everyone was treated to a guided tour of the boat and shown how all the systems work together, the enthusiasm and attention of each crewmember was fantastic. The young sailors were really engaged trying to understand how it all works and the opportunity to chat, hang out, ask questions to a bunch of professional sailors and of course get a few autographs was an experience they will not soon forget.

Day three – Race Day 1

With amazing blue skies, 10 to 12 knots of breeze, the Sound was the perfect setting to start the regatta. The course was quickly laid and no time was wasted in getting the first race away. Races 1 to 6 race were raced with great conditions. The forecast for Friday was very light so the more races the committee could get in today, the better. It is fair to say Eli Liefing and Rose Dickson from New Zealand owned the day with 4 firsts and 2 seconds, putting them at the front the fleet by the end of the day. Closely followed by Oscar Andersson and Amanda Ljunggran from Sweden with 2 firsts and 3 seconds. Issy and Harvey, a mixed crew from Great Britain made up the top 3 with a very consistent day. The stand out performance of the day however goes to Rohan and Stella from USA, with a 4th place and 11th overall. Bermuda sailors Millie Lewis and Laura Hupman were leading the way with a 4th place overall also.

With racing complete, there was no rest as the sailors headed to Morgans Point, the home of Artemis Racing and the temporary sail loft of North Sails for a go at Blo Karting. Another new experience for most, you could see it was a great one!

 America’s Cup there has been a Junior Regatta alongside the main event.

Day Four – Race Day 2

After the previously sailed races from day 1 the fleet after the 6th were really close but it was easy to spot the sailors who have the most experience and have competed in larger events before. The Committee boat headed back on to the Great Sound in search of wind, after a while there was enough breeze to get a race away. Race 7 in very light airs was won by Francesco and Alvise from Italy. 2nd was Eli and Rose from New Zealand and 3rd was Rohan and Stella from Australia. Bermudan sailors Millie & Laura were a fantastic 4th. Unfortunately, the wind soon vanished and there would be no more racing that day.

After a light day of racing, the young sailors had some well-deserved down time, snorkelling in Bermuda’s famously clear waters, swimming, playing volley ball on the beach and generally just hanging out.

Day Five – The America’s Cup Village

With no sailing on day 5 for the RS Feva sailors, they had the chance to soak up the amazing atmosphere at the America’s Cup Village and experience the first day of the America’s Cup match.

RS Feva sailors had the opportunity to get on board the official Youth America’s Cup boat.

Day Six – Show Time!

The America’s Cup RS Feva Endeavour Junior Regatta took centre stage as the Half Time Show. The sailors had a chance for a couple of quick practice races on the short course just off the grand stand before the main event. The race in 12 knots of breeze, 5000 enthusiastic spectators in the grand stand, broadcasted to 140 countries was truly an amazing experience for all involved. The prize giving took everyone back to the main stage in the Village.

America’s Cup Endeavour RS Feva Half Time Show – RS Feva (One Design – 16 Boats)

1. GBR 5, GBR5, Ethan Gerrell / Tom Barnes
2. NZL3, Eli Liefting / Rose Dickson
3. GBR 11, GBR11, Issy Taylor-Jones / Harvey O’Sullivan
4. SUI13, Arturo Beltrando / Ubaldo Bruni
5. ITA10, Francesco Ferri / Alvise Colledan
6. BER16, Joanna Santiago / Ruth Mello-Cann (first girl)
7. BER 14, BER14, Teji Simmons / Zakai Wolffe
8. SWE1, Oscar Andersson / Amanda Ljunggren
9. AUS2, Rohan Stannage / Stella Hurley
10. NED4, Itte Klimp / Imme Rijk
11. GBR 12, GBR12, Lia Fletcher / Olivia Gowland
12. BER15, Millie Lewis / Laura Hupman
13. GUA9, Andreas Purse / Marcos Purse
14. CAN6, Cameron Ollerhead / Rowan Rix
15. NOR8, Francis Gautneb / Aksel Strom-Hansen
16. USA7, Caroline Davis / Arianna Piombino

On behalf of all the sailors, chaperones and parents who had the opportunity to be part of this amazing event, this has been a week full of new experiences for all and ones we will not be forgetting any time soon. Friendships have been made for life and we go away with the most amazing memories. This would not have been the case if the whole event wasn’t put together so superbly by the Endeavour Program – so for that, we say a huge thank you!

America's Cup Bermuda were kindly loaned by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.
RS Feva sailors taking part in the sailing regatta.

SUBSCRIBE

  • Sign up for RS stories, offers, epic wipeout videos and much more!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Grant Dalton OBE on Introducing His Son to Sailing: Why the RS Quest is the Perfect Fit

When it comes to sailing, few names are as well-respected as Grant Dalton OBE, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand. With six Volvo and Whitbread races under his belt, and his wealth of experience and...

Iconic British rope manufacturer Kingfisher Yacht Ropes sponsors RS Fest Miami

RS Sailing are excited to announce a new sponsor onboard for RS Fest Miami 2025, iconic British rope manufacturer Kingfisher Yacht Ropes. The second edition of RS Fest Miami, our multi-class RS...

The RS Feva Eurocup Series is back for 2025!

The International RS Feva Class are excited to announce the Eurocup Series is back for 2025.   Check out the calendar and event details below;   Eurocup 1 19-21 April 2025 RS Feva French...

1 month to go until the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2025

It's one month until our favourite Boat Show of the year, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show! We're buzzing with excitement to welcome you onto our magenta carpet, with the RS Team and a boatload...

RS Sailing at boot Düsseldorf 2025: What’s On The Stand?

It's showtime! The magenta carpet is rolled out... we are excited to return to boot Düsseldorf, one of the largest boat shows in the world. This year’s exhibition marks a significant milestone for...

2025 RS Venture Connect European Championship to take place in Norway

By the RS Venture Connect Class The RS Venture Connect Class is pleased to announce that the 2025 European Championship will be hosted by the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club (KNS) in Oslo, Norway. This...

10 events of 2025 – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup

Event – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup Event Dates - 6 events from April through to October 2025 Format - 6 Rounds, 50 Races, 1 Champion! Hosted by - Hamble One Design Spring Champs, Royal...

UK & Irish RS400 National Championship

Event – UK & Irish RS400 National Championship Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Hosted by - Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club Where – Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Cultra,...

10 events of 2025 – RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025

Event - RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025 Event Dates - 16-19th January 2025 Hosted by - SailGP Inspire & Royal Akarana Yacht Club Where - Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Auckland, New Zealand...

10 events of 2025 – RS500 World Championship 2025

Event - RS500 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 4-8th August 2025* Hosted by - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica Where - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica, Follonica, Italy How to enter - The NOR isn't released...

Iconic British rope manufacturer Kingfisher Yacht Ropes sponsors RS Fest Miami

RS Sailing are excited to announce a new sponsor onboard for RS Fest Miami 2025, iconic British rope manufacturer Kingfisher Yacht Ropes. The second edition of RS Fest Miami, our multi-class RS...

The RS Feva Eurocup Series is back for 2025!

The International RS Feva Class are excited to announce the Eurocup Series is back for 2025.   Check out the calendar and event details below;   Eurocup 1 19-21 April 2025 RS Feva French...

1 month to go until the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2025

It's one month until our favourite Boat Show of the year, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show! We're buzzing with excitement to welcome you onto our magenta carpet, with the RS Team and a boatload...

RS Sailing at boot Düsseldorf 2025: What’s On The Stand?

It's showtime! The magenta carpet is rolled out... we are excited to return to boot Düsseldorf, one of the largest boat shows in the world. This year’s exhibition marks a significant milestone for...

2025 RS Venture Connect European Championship to take place in Norway

By the RS Venture Connect Class The RS Venture Connect Class is pleased to announce that the 2025 European Championship will be hosted by the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club (KNS) in Oslo, Norway. This...

10 events of 2025 – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup

Event – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup Event Dates - 6 events from April through to October 2025 Format - 6 Rounds, 50 Races, 1 Champion! Hosted by - Hamble One Design Spring Champs, Royal...

UK & Irish RS400 National Championship

Event – UK & Irish RS400 National Championship Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Hosted by - Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club Where – Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Cultra,...

10 events of 2025 – RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025

Event - RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025 Event Dates - 16-19th January 2025 Hosted by - SailGP Inspire & Royal Akarana Yacht Club Where - Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Auckland, New Zealand...

10 events of 2025 – RS500 World Championship 2025

Event - RS500 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 4-8th August 2025* Hosted by - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica Where - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica, Follonica, Italy How to enter - The NOR isn't released...

10 events of 2025 – RS200 National Championship

Event – RS200 Noble Marine National Championship 2025 Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Event Schedule - Sunday 3rd - optional coaching, a gate start seminar, race briefing and commodores's...

The RS Feva Eurocup Series is back for 2025!

The International RS Feva Class are excited to announce the Eurocup Series is back for 2025.   Check out the calendar and event details below;   Eurocup 1 19-21 April 2025 RS Feva French...

1 month to go until the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2025

It's one month until our favourite Boat Show of the year, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show! We're buzzing with excitement to welcome you onto our magenta carpet, with the RS Team and a boatload...

RS Sailing at boot Düsseldorf 2025: What’s On The Stand?

It's showtime! The magenta carpet is rolled out... we are excited to return to boot Düsseldorf, one of the largest boat shows in the world. This year’s exhibition marks a significant milestone for...

2025 RS Venture Connect European Championship to take place in Norway

By the RS Venture Connect Class The RS Venture Connect Class is pleased to announce that the 2025 European Championship will be hosted by the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club (KNS) in Oslo, Norway. This...

10 events of 2025 – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup

Event – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup Event Dates - 6 events from April through to October 2025 Format - 6 Rounds, 50 Races, 1 Champion! Hosted by - Hamble One Design Spring Champs, Royal...

UK & Irish RS400 National Championship

Event – UK & Irish RS400 National Championship Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Hosted by - Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club Where – Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Cultra,...

10 events of 2025 – RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025

Event - RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025 Event Dates - 16-19th January 2025 Hosted by - SailGP Inspire & Royal Akarana Yacht Club Where - Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Auckland, New Zealand...

10 events of 2025 – RS500 World Championship 2025

Event - RS500 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 4-8th August 2025* Hosted by - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica Where - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica, Follonica, Italy How to enter - The NOR isn't released...

10 events of 2025 – RS200 National Championship

Event – RS200 Noble Marine National Championship 2025 Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Event Schedule - Sunday 3rd - optional coaching, a gate start seminar, race briefing and commodores's...

10 events of 2025 – RS21 World Championship 2025

Event - RS21 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 24-27 September 2025* Where - Tuscany, Italy. The International RS21 Class Association, in collaboration with RS Sailing and the RS21...

1 month to go until the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2025

It's one month until our favourite Boat Show of the year, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show! We're buzzing with excitement to welcome you onto our magenta carpet, with the RS Team and a boatload...

RS Sailing at boot Düsseldorf 2025: What’s On The Stand?

It's showtime! The magenta carpet is rolled out... we are excited to return to boot Düsseldorf, one of the largest boat shows in the world. This year’s exhibition marks a significant milestone for...

2025 RS Venture Connect European Championship to take place in Norway

By the RS Venture Connect Class The RS Venture Connect Class is pleased to announce that the 2025 European Championship will be hosted by the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club (KNS) in Oslo, Norway. This...

10 events of 2025 – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup

Event – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup Event Dates - 6 events from April through to October 2025 Format - 6 Rounds, 50 Races, 1 Champion! Hosted by - Hamble One Design Spring Champs, Royal...

UK & Irish RS400 National Championship

Event – UK & Irish RS400 National Championship Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Hosted by - Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club Where – Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Cultra,...

10 events of 2025 – RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025

Event - RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025 Event Dates - 16-19th January 2025 Hosted by - SailGP Inspire & Royal Akarana Yacht Club Where - Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Auckland, New Zealand...

10 events of 2025 – RS500 World Championship 2025

Event - RS500 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 4-8th August 2025* Hosted by - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica Where - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica, Follonica, Italy How to enter - The NOR isn't released...

10 events of 2025 – RS200 National Championship

Event – RS200 Noble Marine National Championship 2025 Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Event Schedule - Sunday 3rd - optional coaching, a gate start seminar, race briefing and commodores's...

10 events of 2025 – RS21 World Championship 2025

Event - RS21 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 24-27 September 2025* Where - Tuscany, Italy. The International RS21 Class Association, in collaboration with RS Sailing and the RS21...

10 events of 2025 – RS Fest Miami 2025

Event – RS Fest Miami 2025 Event Dates : March 28th - 30th 2025 Hosted by – Coconut Grove Sailing Club Where – Miami, USA at Coconut Grove Sailing Club Dates – Check out the full...

Pin It on Pinterest