Meet the parents creating some serious Scottish Feva fever
Designed to recognise those who truly make a difference within the Scottish boating landscape, our RYA Scotland Impact Awards allow us to celebrate the time, commitment, and dedication displayed by so many within the community.
And, the difference made by our latest Impact Award recipients is clear to see.
Today, it’s Scottish Feva Class Representative Jon Ewer and his wife Sarah in the spotlight.
Over the past few years, the pair have nurtured and developed the double handed dinghy class here in Scotland, helping grow sailor numbers and training opportunities, all while cultivating a true sense of community for those involved.
To hear more about how they're doing that, watch the full story on our YouTube now.
Despite coming from a non-sailing background, Jon was quick to step into the sport a number of years ago to support his daughter’s growing passion for being afloat.
Since Jon took on the role of RS Feva Class Rep, he and Sarah have fully immersed themselves in the sailing community, successfully rallying other parents to get involved, and help with boat towing and event support.
Upon receiving the award, Jon said:
“I am honoured and all I can say is thank you very much. I'm doing it for my kids, but it's nice and it's wonderful that I can try and take as many other kids with us as we go along the journey.
“And it's just lovely to see everyone having fun when we do the socials and having a great time out in the water. I'm honoured.”
In addition to the hands-on practical presence at events and training days, Jon is also dedicated to capturing all that goes on within the Feva Class.
You can check out the Scottish RS Fevas group on Facebook to see the latest.
And, it seems some of the hard work within the Feva Class is already paying off, with Emilia Ewer and Lily Hopkins finishing 3rd out of all junior boats (aged 13 and under) at the RS Feva National Championships earlier this week.
The major four day event took place in Weymouth, with five Scottish boats travelling south. Entrants gained some valuable experience amongst a bigger fleet – along with some strong winds.
Emilia said:
“Lily and I were delighted to come away with a prize and medal as 3rd Juniors at RS Feva UK National Championships.
“I enjoyed everything that happened, even the few capsizes… because I learned something new every time that we made a mistake.
“My main takeaway would have to be the confidence that I have gained over the 4 days. I have gained so much confidence to sail in those sorts of conditions.”
Discussing how the Scottish Feva class has come on as a result of her parent’s input, older sister Jess said:
“We now have a fleet, which is amazing.
“It's a lot better, because it means that we can improve as sailors altogether.
“What we've found since we've started is that you build up a great community of people that you share interests with.
“And now that we have a class altogether, it means that we can all be competitive against each other but also off the water we can be great friends, which is really, really cool.”
With the future looking strong for the Scottish Feva cohort, many are already looking ahead to next year’s National Championships which will take place at Dalgety Bay Sailing Club in Fife, so make sure you keep up with RYA Scotland, and Scottish RS Fevas on socials for all the latest.
Having been integral to getting the class to where it is now, Jon and Sarah are excited to see all that is still to come.
Reflecting on the difference they’ve made so far, RYA Scotland Feva Coach April Whiteley said:
“They’re just incredible! Always messaging, organising, sorting out Class Association boats.. sorting out their own kids!
“And doing work with the Feva Class Association as well, to try and arrange additional training outside of academies. As a coach, all I can really say is that Jon and Sarah are invaluable.”
Inspired? Why not nominate someone you know for an RYA Scotland Impact Award?
You can watch all of our previous Impact Awards over on YouTube now.
Fancy getting afloat yourself? Use the RYA Activity Finder to locate a course, club, or centre near you.