A busy year ahead for the UK Flying Fifteen Class

Flying Fifteens at Windermere © RWYC

The UK Flying Fifteen fleet have a very busy season including the usual selection of regional championships held at some of the bedrock clubs of F15 sailing. First up is the Northern Championship & Lakeland GP to be sailed at the Royal Windermere Yacht Club.

Flying Fifteen Fleet Captain David Heron sets the scene:

"Next year, 2023 will mark the 60th anniversary of Flying Fifteens at the Royal Windermere Yacht Club, and in 2022 we are delighted to be hosting the Northern Area Championships. The club Yacht club is situated in Bowness Bay, the centre point of England's longest Lake. The location gives us options to sail in either the North or South Lakes depending on the wind direction on the day and as such we are never short of a variety of courses and conditions."

Flying Fifteens at Windermere - photo © RWYC

"Being at the club for nearly 60 years is testament to just how good the Flying Fifteen is suited to Lake sailing. The fleet at the club has always been active both at home and on the open meeting circuit, and the standard of racing is very high and competitive throughout the fleet. Recently retired 3 times World Champion Steve Goacher is threatening to sail with us much more this season."

"We were one of the first clubs in the North West to resume racing after the first lockdown, and this coupled with the fact that we extended our season to the end of November, sparked a lot of interest in the class, with several new boats joining the fleet and partaking in competitive and exciting club racing. For the 2022 season we now boast 27 boats in the boat park, the majority of whom will be competing in club racing, which takes place Saturday's, Sunday's and Thursday evenings. Double figure turnouts are now the norm rather than the exception."

Flying Fifteens at Windermere - photo © RWYC

"For the Northern Championships we are expecting 30-40 boats to sail in exceptional surroundings and enjoy the hospitality that the club has to offer. It's true that the wind can be challenging depending on its direction, but competitors are assured of a warm welcome and a well organised race series. We look forward to welcoming you."

2022 Calendar of Regional Championship Regattas:

• 23 - 24 Apr - Northern Championship & Lakeland GP at Royal Windermere YC
• 14 - 15 May - F15 Scottish Championship at Holy Lock SC
• 28 - 29 May - F15 UK Inland Championship at Grafham Water SC
• 18 - 19 June 2022 - F15 Southern Area Championships at Parkstone YC
• 7 - 10 July - UK Flying 15 National Championship at Hayling Island SC
• 20 - 26 August - European Championship and 75th Anniversary of the Flying Fifteen Class at Cowes Corinthian YC, Isle of Wight