The most fun you can have with a keel on, the Flying 15 is the world’s most popular racing sportsboat with fleets at 32 UK clubs.
The Flying 15 was designed by Uffa Fox in 1947 with the first hulls built at his Cowes boatyard. Uffa had been encouraged to “design a boat like the International 14, but at least 18ft long, that will not capsize. Then you would have a sensible, safe boat, that was fun to sail as well, for the rough and tumble of tidal waters like the Solent”. Hull no 192 “Coweslip” was presented to HRH Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Elizabeth as a wedding present, and Uffa Fox and Prince Philip frequently sailed together at Cowes. Following a successful foray by Cowes based Flying Fifteens to Cowes Classics Week in 2013, competitors from as far afield as Perthshire, Yorkshire, Kent, Leicestershire, and Australia have joined us in subsequent years. Class racing is provided on BIFFA PY Handicaps for Classic, Silver and Modern Flying Fifteens. Due to the overall popularity of Cowes Classics Week, the Class may share a start with other Classic Dayboat Fleets. (Photo shows Bobby Salmond GBR 4027 of Perthshire, Scotland sails ahead of John Hassen AUS 3845 of Perth, Australia). |
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Flying Fifteen's compete for the 'Calf Cup'
14 year old Will Heritage triumphed at the 2015 event, decisively winning the Calf Cup from others in the fleet, including 2013 and 2014 winner Bobby Salmond. Will subsequently went on to the win the Young Skippers Trophy at Cowes Week. Photo is Will Heritage being presented with the Cup by Charles Stanley Director Mike Lilwall. |
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John Hassen from Australia, who bought a Flying Fifteen in the UK with the specific intention of campaigning her at a number of European regattas during the season was awarded the Ratsey Sails Traveller's Trophy in 2014. |
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Photos: Taken by
Link: www.flying15.org.uk