Flying Fifteens, the most fun you can have with your keel on!

This 20-foot long international sportsboat is the largest one–design keelboat class in Dublin Bay. Check out all the latest Flying Fifteen News.

What Is a Flying Fifteen?

The Flying Fifteen is a high-performance planing boat which is now one of the most popular one–design keelboat class in the world. (The "fifteen" refers to its waterline length.) It is capable of some 14 knots on a reach without the problems arising from capsize or trapeze and is easily transportable and stored. It is arguably the safest, most exciting small yacht available. Mixed crews are common.

The boat can be trailed behind a small family car and can be launched off a slip. At a glance:

The Flying Fifteen was designed in 1947 by the famous British yacht designer Uffa Fox and has since become the largest fixed-keel class in the world with over 4000 boats. 

The Flying Fifteen is also the largest one–design keel boat class in Dublin Bay with regular turnouts of 18 plus boats on Thursday evenings and Saturdays.

There are 4 regional events held each year. The Regional events are held in such locations as Kinsale, Dunmore East and Westport.

The East Coast Championships are being held in Dun Laoghaire on the 5th and 6th of October 2013 with more than 40 boats expected.

All levels are catered for with prizes for winners of the gold, silver and bronze fleets.

Dun Laoghaire Fleet members have also travelled to World and European events. There is either a World or European event each year. European events have been held in such places as Majorca, La Rochelle, Lake Garda and Kinsale. World Championships have been held in UK, Dun Laoghaire, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

The Flying Fifteen was first sailed in Dun Laoghaire in 1972 and has thrived since then. Some of the sailors are second generation, with new members joining the fleet each year. The fleet recognises the importance of the social side to sailing and organises family days, fleet dinners and fun races, culminating in the annual dinner and prizegiving in November each year.

The Dun Laoghaire fleet is delighted to announce that KIA Motors has agreed to sponsor the fleet. Kia's strap line "the power to surprise " is very appropriate when describing the Flying Fifteen.

Whats Been Happening?

There is always something going on in the world of sailing, here we follow all the latest news that is going on in the sailing world of the Flying Fifteens. Check out all the latest Flying Fifteen News.

Flying Fiftteen - The History

The Flying Fifteen was originally designed by the legendary Uffa Fox, the 6m (20ft) craft has maintained its reputation as an exciting and competitive two-man racing craft. It provides access to Sailing at reasonable prices for men and women from 15 to 75 and beyond.

Irish National Flying Fifteen Champions

1974 E.Sheehy KYC
1975 J,Lowry Mrs.J.Lowry CSC
1976 N.Watson KSC
1977 E.Gilmore KSC
1978 D.Tucker KYC
1979
1980 J.McCann SLYC
1981 C.Simmonds
1982 J.Rodgers KSC
1983 J.Millar KSC
1984 P.Morrison M.Gotral
1985 A.Bax NSC
1986 R.Bannon NYC
1987 J.Millar I.Coryn "Tie"
Trophy presented by to Flying Fifteen Association by Mr & Mrs Olaf Sorenson
1988 The Real Thing G.Dunleavy D.O'Brien NYC
1989 Lethal Weapon J.Millar C.Coffey CSC
1990 Mind Over Matter G.Dunleavy M.Conway
1991 Cunning Stunt I.Claever D.Shellcock
1992 Ruffa Gruffa J.Thomson M.Brown
1993 Newform J.Millar S.Penney KSC
1994 Going Grey G.Reilly D.Morrison SSC
1995 Forrader IV B.Falet I.Coryn RN&SYC
1996 Zimner J.Rodgers S.McCarthy PSC
1997 Tender Wood B.McKee Bob Gilmore SLYC
1998 Awesome J.Lavery G.Dunleavy NYC
1999 Ffangs J.Burke A.Green NYC
2000 J.Lavery G.Dunleavy NYC
2001 G.Dunleavy D.Gorman NYC
2002 J.Burke B.Canton NYC
2003 J.Lavery D.O'Brien NYC
2004 D.Martin S.Murray SLYC
2005 M.Hart T.Hall PDSC
2006 M.Sheehy A.Green KYC
2007 D.Martin S.Murray SLYC
2008 D.Gorman C.Doorly NYC
2009
2010 D.Martin S.Murray SLYC
2011 D.Gorman C.Doorly NYC
2012 J.Lavery D.O'Brien NYC

Frequently Asked Questions about Flying Fifteens

What is the cost of a good competitive boat? 

A good competitive boat costs between €5,000 and €7,000

Are older boats less competitive than new boats? 

No, boats of 10 years and older regularly win events.

Where can I try a Flying Fifteen? 

The fleet runs open days and opportunities to sail a Flying Fifteen. See the fleet’s website   www.flyingfifteen.ie for details             

Will I get support if I buy a Flying Fifteen?

Yes, the fleet provides training sessions on the water, boat tuning sessions and rules lectures.

#weymouth – Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy has had an outstanding summer one year on from being the host venue for the London 2012 Olympic Games. The Academy has been the chosen venue for many National Championships this summer, thriving in the wake of the Olympics.

The Flying Fifteen National Championships, Topper National Championships, Miracle Nationals, Hurricane National Championships, and also World Championships including the Dragon fleet and the RS Tera Fleet, have all relished the facilities of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

The UK GLOBAL Flying Fifteen National Championships kicked off the summer with their National Championships in July, where 40 boats competed, including visitors from France and Australia. Richard Jones, Flying Fifteen Publicity Officer commented, "The event was a great success and the Flying Fifteen Class thoroughly enjoyed sailing in the wake of Olympic champions."

WPNSA also welcomed one of Britain's most traditional sailing classes, the Miracle Class, for their National Championships in August, with 10 races held over 6 days at the Academy. Sam Meetam, Championship Co-ordinator commented, 'The venue caters well for a traditional class, the facilities are excellent and the choice of bay or sheltered harbour suits well, the venue has an excellent reputation for race management, and they provided perfect set courses for the fleet.'

The RYA Zone Championships took place from the 28th – 29th September. Chris Atherton, Royal Yachting Association, High Performance Manager for the South and South West spoke about the conditions at the Academy. "The sailing inside Portland Harbour offers good, fair racing where the conditions are not too tidal, which is ideal racing for junior sailors for many of whom the 2013 RYA Zone and Country Championships will be their first major event on the RYA Racing circuit."

Many top International Sailing Classes have reserved dates for 2014 National Championships, and key dates for next year at Weymouth will be released in December.

Peter Allam, Chief Executive of WPNSA, is ensuring a sustained approach to attracting important national based events to the Academy on an annual basis, "The Academy has been graced with some very high profile global regattas, which is extremely pleasing. Our on-going ability to host major events for junior and youth sailors is an extremely important role for the Academy. We are very proud to play a part in the development of UK sailing talent and are privileged to witness the progress made as young sailors move from Zone Squads on up through the ranks."

The Flying Fifteen Association of Ireland has published its calendar of championship fixtures for 2014. Provisional dates are as follows:

17/18 May Northern Championships – Cushendall SC

14/15 June Southern Championships – Carlingford YC

22-24 Aug Championship of Ireland – Portaferry SC – To be confirmed

4/5 Oct East Coast Championship - National YC

The class is looking forward to building on strong event turnouts., 30 boats entered at the National Championship in Waterford Harbour SC in 2013 and 33 teams competing for the Kia East Coast Championship in Dún Laoghaire.

#Flyingfifteen – Irish national Flying Fifteen champions Ian Mathews and Keith Poole outwitted visiting former world champion Charles Apthorp to win a tightly fought East Coast championships on Dublin Bay this afternoon. Only one point separated the top three boats in a five race Kia motors sponsored series managed by London 2012 race officer Jack Roy.

The 35–boat fleet series enjoyed a range of light to medium winds for the season closer at the National Yacht Club.

Its the second championship win for Mathews and Poole who took the national title in Waterford a month ago.

Full results downloadable below as a jpeg file.

#flyingfifteen – The National Yacht Club's Ian Mathews and Keith Poole who were crowned Flying Fifteen Irish champions in Dunmore East, County Waterford a month ago will race on their home waters of Dublin Bay tomorrow in the KIa motors sponsored end of season East coast Championships. A 30–boat fleet will gather at the NYC for the two day event that inlcudes a strong contingent from Strangford lough. Race officer is London 2012's Jack Roy of the host club.

#flyingfifteen – The National Yacht Club's Ian Mathews and Keith Poole overcame strong challenges for the Irish Flying Fifteen title in Waterford Harbour today when consistent sailing paid off for the Dun Laoghaire duo who overtook clubhouse leaders Strangford's Roger Chamberlain and Charlie Horder to lift the keelboat trophy by a single point.

Mathews and Poole did not win any single race of the series but finished each round of the seven race fixture in the top five. On the crucial final day they counted to second places to oust Chamberlain from the top spot in the 30–boat fleet.

Third overall was visiting UK pairing Andy and Anthony Osman from Poole Harbour in Dorset.

Full results downloadable below as a jpeg file. 

#flyingfifteen – Roger Chamberlan and Charlie Horder from Strangford Lough have produced a consistent 5,2,2,1 in Dunmore East, County Waterford to be overnight leaders going into tomorrow's final two rounds of the Irish Flying Fifteen Championships off Hook Head. Full results are downloadable below as a jpeg file. 

Shifting light to medium winds resulted in all five races of the Waterford Harbour series sailed so far being shortened for the 30–boat fleet.

Lying second overall is Dublin Bay pairing Ian Mathews and Keith Poole from the National Yacht Club. Third are UK visitors, Poole Harbour pairing, Andy and Anthony Osman.

The final two races begin tomorrow at 12 noon, light north westerlies are forecast.

#flyingfifteen – The sunshine beamed down again, but on whom would fortune smile in this final day of the UKGLOBAL Flying Fifteen National Championship?

For the first time, the fleet left Portland Harbour for Weymouth Bay. Winds started at NE 8 kts, moving round to SE as the day progressed.

The first race started after a couple of general recalls, and after a light first beat, the leaders were father and son combination Graham and Ben Scroggie. They only joined the class last year, and were sailing in their just launched, brand new, boat. Graham, 73, had won a Merlin Championship here 15 years ago, and seemed to remember his way round the course! Under much pressure, they defended their lead to take first place, ahead of championship contenders Richard Lovering and Matt Alvarado in second, with Alan Bax/ James Grant taking third. The race win for father and son Graham and Ben emphasised the family nature of the Flying Fifteen class, and also showed how newcomers to the class can do very well against longer standing members.

The second race was soon under way, and this time all three of the main contenders for the Championship were at the front. Championship leader Steve Goacher/ Phil Evans led for much of the race, but were keeping a very close eye on Lovering/ Alavarado. Meanwhile the other contenders, Mike Hart/ Jeremy Davy slipped through to take this final race, with Goacher/ Evans second and Scroggie/ Scroggie third to earn the best pair of results today.

But Goacher/ Evans' secure second place gave them the National Championship by seven points. Goacher and Evans added the 2013 Nationals title to a long number of titles in this class, and they demonstrated the merits of a settled partnership of helm and crew. Just to rub in their years in the class, Goacher and Evans also received a trophy for best pair of over 100 years combined age. Mike Hart and Jeremy Davy's second win of the week took them up into second place overall, with Lovering/ Alvarado third.

Results
Race 8
1. Graham and Ben Scroggie, Parkstone YC
2. Richard Lovering/ Matt Alavarado, Hayling Island SC
3. Alan Bax/ James Grant, Hayling Island SC
Race 9
1. Mike Hart/ Jeremy Davy, Hayling Island SC
2. Steve Goacher/ Phil Evans, Royal Windermere YC
3. Scroggie and Scroggie, Parkstone YC

Final Championship positions overall
1. Goacher/ Evans, 16pts
2. Hart/ Davy, 23pts
3. Lovering/ Alavarado, 24.4pts
4. Bax/ Grant, 37pts
5. Ian Cadwallader/ Dave Sweet, 39pts

#flyingfifteen – On another day of glorious sunshine and high temperatures, the only element missing today at WPNSA was a steady wind. But after an initial fickle Easterly, the wind settled to SW, 5-6 kts, to allow racing to start in late afternoon. A single race was sailed round a windward leeward course in Portland Harbour, with competitors sailing three and a half rounds to complete the race before heading ashore.
Today's single race takes the Championship up to seven races of the possible eight despite light winds all week.
There was all to play for this morning, as completion of a seventh race would create a second discard within the series, so sailors were aiming to improve their position today.
The winners of the two races yesterday battled out today's race. Ian Cadwallader and Dave Sweet continued their momentum into today, leading at the windward mark. But on the first run, Steve Goacher/ Phil Evans, who won the other race yesterday, took the lead, which they held to the finish. In an event with many race winners, Goacher/ Evans became the only team to take a second win. Cadwallader took second place, while Adrian Tattersall/ Vincent Harris enjoyed their best result of the week in third place.
Championship contenders Richard Lovering and Mike Hart stayed in touch overall, with fourth and fifth places respectively in today's race. Today's winners Steve Goacher and Phil Evans move into the final day with an improved lead of 6.4 points, with Lovering and Hart in second and third places.
The UKGLOBAL Flying Fifteen National Championship concludes tomorrow, Friday 19th July, and brisker breezes are expected, allowing the Fifteens and their sailors to stretch their legs and finish the week on a high.
Results
Race 7
1. Steve Goacher/ Phil Evans, Royal Windermere YC
2. Ian Cadwallader/ Dave Sweet, Chew Valley Lake SC
3. Adrian Tattersall/ Vincent Harris, Parkstone YC
4. Richard Lovering/ Matt Alvarado, Hayling Island SC
5. Mike Hart/ Jeremy Davy, Hayling Island SC

Positions overall after seven races, after two discards
1. Goacher/ Evans, 10pts
2. Lovering/ Alavarado, 16.4pts
3. Hart/ Davy, 18pts
4. Bax/ Grant, 20pts

#Flyingfifteen – Flying Fifteen sailors enjoyed a third day of sparkling sunshine and light SW breezes, as they added another two windward leeward races in Portland Harbour.
Two crews scored well on both races to climb up the leaderboard, while many others managed only one good race to count.
Racing was held in the afternoon, and the breeze was up to 7kts at the start of the first race. At the windward mark, it was three of the leaders in contention, with Australians Ashley Smith and Kym Thumpkin leading at the top, followed by Steve Goacher/ Phil Evans and Richard Lovering/ Matt Alvarado. In this race most of the frontrunners stayed there. On the third beat, Goacher closed on Smith, and took the lead at the spreader mark. He held his lead to win by just two boat lengths from Smith, with Alan Bax/James Grant gaining a place to take third.
The breeze stayed at 6 kts allowing a quick start to the longest race yet, of three rounds plus a beat. However, of the top three at the windward mark, two were given OCS, Ashley Smith and Richard Lovering, altering the picture at the front when they left the race. So the leader was Ian Cadwallader/ Dave Sweet. They maintained their lead to the finish. Goacher/ Evans improved from sixth at the first windward mark to second by the finish, despite pressure from Alan Bax/ James Grant, who held position well to take third.
The big winners on the day were Goacher/Evans who moved into a six point lead, from day 2 leaders Hart and Davy. Bax/ Grant were the other gainers, and their two good results lifted them to third overall, just a point behind Hart/ Davy. Two days of racing remain, with the best winds expected on the final day, and another discard soon to kick in, which could change the positions.
Many Flying Fifteens are sailed by mixed teams, including husband/ wife and parent/ child combinations. Mixed teams often do well in the class, and husband/ wife teams have won World Championships. Best of the mixed teams here are Australians Ashley Smith/ Kym Thumpkin, who currently are in fifth overall, with Kym a strong contender to gain the prize for highest placed female sailor.

Results (subject to protest)
Race 5
1. Steve Goacher/ Phil Evans, Royal Windermere YC
2. Ashley Smith/ Kym Thumpkin, Sandgate YC, AUS
3. Alan Bax/ James Grant, Hayling Island SC
Race 6
1. Ian Cadwallader/ Dave Sweet, Chew Valley Lake SC
2. Steve Goacher/ Phil Evans, Royal Windermere YC
3. Dave Tabb/ Chewey Sherrell, Parkstone YC
Positions overall after six races, after one discard
1. Goacher/ Evans, 13pts