Scottish Sailors Rise to the Challenge at 2025 RS Feva World Championships
It wasn’t the smoothest road to the start line for the Scottish RS Feva sailors at this year’s World Championships in Aix-les-Bains. With an injured team member and a van breakdown in the middle of France delaying three boats, things didn’t exactly follow the textbook for major event preparation. But true to form, the young Scottish sailors took it all in their stride.
By the time the event began on 26 July, all eight Scottish sailors - and their boats - had made it to the venue, kit largely intact and spirits high.
A Dramatic Start
Saturday’s practice session hinted that the week wouldn’t be without drama. A sudden squall tore through the lake, capsizing several boats and even writing off one mast. It was a sharp contrast to the forecasted light winds - and a memorable welcome to Lac du Bourget.
Sunday morning saw the first GB team training session, with 24 sailors including four Scots, up bright and early for an 8:30am briefing. While the breeze was light and shifty, it was good preparation for conditions that proved quite different from the gusty Scottish norm.
By the afternoon, a practice race got underway in blazing sunshine. A dramatic 180-degree wind shift midway through the race caught many off guard - a valuable lesson in staying alert on the racecourse.
That evening, more than 330 sailors from 16 nations paraded through the picturesque streets of Aix-les-Bains for the opening ceremony, a colourful and spirited celebration of youth sailing on the international stage.
Qualifying Rounds: Tricky Winds and Determined Sailors
Monday brought overcast skies and steadier breezes as qualifying officially began. While the opening races got underway, shifting winds and delays eventually led to racing being abandoned for the day, leaving many sailors wanting more.
Tuesday proved more productive, with the race committee determined to complete the qualifying series. After a long, hot day on the water, four races were completed, securing the standings ahead of the Final Series. Among the Scottish teams, Finlay Davidson and Lily Hopkins earned a place in the Silver Fleet, with the remaining three boats qualifying for Bronze.
At the top of the leaderboard, Zofia Wells and Charlotte Handley of New Zealand led the charge, followed closely by teams from Italy, Slovakia, and Austria. Great Britain’s Thomas and Daniel Whitehead rounded out the top five.
Final Series: Light Winds, Big Efforts
The Final Series was challenged by frustratingly light winds. On Wednesday, the fleets launched but were soon sent ashore again under AP over H. The delay turned into a different kind of fun - paddleboarding competitions and lakeside games became the focus of the day, capped off with live music by the lake.
Fortunately, Thursday delivered better racing conditions. Four races were sailed in the heat, ensuring the championship would be complete. By Friday, the wind had vanished again. Gold Fleet managed one attempted start, but a major wind shift led to abandonment. Despite hours of hopeful waiting under the sun, no further races were held, and the event was eventually called at the time limit.
Celebrating Success and Friendship
At the final prize giving, Austria’s David and Valentin Vogl were crowned 2025 RS Feva World Champions. New Zealand’s Zofia Wells and Charlotte Handley secured second overall and were recognised as the top female crew. Thomas and Daniel Whitehead took the honours as the top British team, finishing in fifth place.
Scotland’s Finlay Davidson and Lily Hopkins finished as the top Scottish pair in 75th out of 168 boats - a strong performance in a highly competitive international fleet.
While the wind didn’t always cooperate, the 2025 RS Feva World Championships delivered a spectacular setting, a friendly and well-run event, and memories that will last a lifetime. For the Scottish sailors, it was a week of learning, laughter, resilience and inspiration for what’s to come.
Well done to all the Scottish sailors who represented their clubs and country with pride. Roll on next year!