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The 2001 Flying Fifteen Results Archive
Graham Water Sailing Club21st - 22nd AprilThe Grafham Hull Flying Fifteen Open Meetingwas held over April 21st/22nd weekend in conditions which varied from nil wind up to a good F4. Saturday proved the most difficult for competitors and Race Officer alike. The Northerly wind, which had started the day as a reasonable F2, spent the rest of the day dying away. The first of 6 scheduled races got away on time with no recall. The port side proved to pay as Mike & Anne de St Paer in 3680 rounded the windward mark with a good lead. However the wind then died and it became something of a lottery as it whispered across first from one side then the other. Eventually John Washington & Anita Morris spinnakered up the last of the beat to record a hard earned win. The St Paer’s and Alan Bax followed them. Sunday proved to be very different with a challenging F 3/4 from the South West but backing round to the SouthEast as the day wore on. This produced a lumpy chop which together with a 4 race programme produced an excellent days racing. Alan Bax & Paul Busby in 3611 dominated with 3 wins and a 2nd. The Notts County pairing of Peter Walters & John Allen improved their results steadily as the day wore on finishing with an excellent win in the last race and 2nd overall. Three Grafham boats scrapped for third place behind these two with Justin Waples & Mick Searle coming out on top, by virtue of a 4th in the last race. The Classic fleet comprised of Sail Nos. 2700 and below turned out 6 boats in all and although the strongish lumpy conditions proved a challenge against the newer boats the Presidents Trophy was won by David & Carole Duke in 2646 who were 11th overall. Final Results were:-
Report from Iain Stowe
Report from Paul Botterill Broxbourne Classic19th MayThis event had a good entry of 10 Classic and 2 Silver boats with visitors from Grafham Water and Middle Nene Sailing Clubs. The weather, unfortunately, was not as good with a very light and shifty wind which got even worse during the day. The first race was postponed due to a 90 degree shift just after the warning signal was made. The Race Officer, Bob Falconer, set a new course which he planned to cater for further shifts. In this he was successful but the holes in the variable North Westerly still caused dramatic changes in positions. The early leading pair David Duke(2464), and Rob Sheridan(2647) appeared to be not possible to catch but the later missed a large shift allowing Geoff Town(598) through into second place. The penultimate leg started as a broad reach, David Duke being around 150 yards ahead of Geoff Town initially, but with the wind filling in from behind, the latter caught up but was held off comfortably by David on the short beat to the finish . There was then quite a large gap to the third boat, Ian Taylor(2468). In the second race Tom Cooper (2986) ex British Moth National Champion and a local light weather expert made a good start, and reading the increasingly more frequent shifts built up a comfortable lead. The remainder of the fleet were well spread out and it seemed that it would be just a procession to the finish but the wind filled in from the North on the final beat and it turned out to be a very close finish between the leading six or so boats. Tom Cooper managed to just hold on to first place, closely followed by Pip Hudson, a Broxbourne National 12 helm sailing the Club`s boat(1424) and third was David Duke. During the third race the wind continued to die, and five boats being almost stationery for almost half an hour gave up and paddled home! There was an exciting finish, however, as Ian Taylor who had a large lead throughout the race was caught and passed on the last run in a following wind by Roger Finch(2213) from Middle Nene, third was Mark Patrick(2208) also from Middle Nene Following the prize giving there was a well attended Barbecue where all the visitors and many spectators from the Club had a pleasant evening. Final overall and Classic positions were:
Report from Geoff Town
Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club19th - 20th MayOn the weekend of 19th / 20th May, Derwent Reservoir SC held its Flying Fifteen open meeting. Sixteen boats, including six visitors, took part in the event which was sponsored by Trident UK. The Saturday was somewhat overcast but a good force four south westerly wind, gust-ing force five, ensured good competitive sailing for all. In race one, John Hardisty led at the windward mark from Terry Crumpton, Neil Platt and John Wade but, second time around, it was Terry Crumpton, Neil Platt, John Wade and John Hardisty. At the finish, Neil Platt took first place followed by Terry Crumpton, John Hardisty and Peter Kitchen. In race two, once again it was John Hardisty first at the windward mark but, followed this time by John Hull, Terry Crumpton and Neil Platt. John Hardisty maintained his lead until the final lap when he was overtaken by both Terry Crumpton and Neil Platt. On Sunday the sun shone and the wind had moved round to the west but continued to blow force four gusting five. In race three, Terry Crumpton led from the start with Neil Platt a comfortable second. Behind them, places were constantly changing but Adrian Tattersall managed to secure third place from Bobby Salmond. In race four Terry Crumpton led from the start but Neil Platt had to battle it out with John Hardisty for second place. The rest of the fleet, once again, had very competitive racing with no boat maintaining its position for more than one lap. The fleet and the OOD, Keith Robson, were to be congratulated on having only one general recall.
2741 Paul Metcalfe / Duncan Dando Tees and Hartlepool YC Report from Tony Lee
Llangorse Sailing Club19th - 20th MayFifteen boats, including visitors from South Cerney and Draycote, competed at Llangorse on May 19 and 20 for the handsome and unusual trophy,an original painting of fifteens on the lake by a noted marine artist. Last years event was postponed in May due to unseasonal floods, then scuppered in October by the fuel crisis.This year the threat from foot and mouth disease mercifully did not materialise. It was,then, with smiles of relief from the organisers that the fleet went out to race on Saturday afternoon in a light but pleasant and reasonably steady westerly, which enabled race officer Colin Fletcher to set satisfying courses with good long beats. Sunday dawned hot,sunny and still. The fleet had ample time to sunbathe and admire the wildlife and beautiful scenery before the race officer contrived to complete the last two races in very light and fickle airs. In race three the fleet seperated early into two widely spaced groups and no less than nine boats were timed out. Itwas noticable however that the previous days leaders still came out in front.
Report from David Proctor
Northern Championships - Bassenthwaite Sailing Club9th - 10th JuneBassenthwaite Sailing Club hosted an excellent weekend sailing for the Flying Fifteen Northern Championships on the 9th/10th June. Weather conditions varied from light winds in hot sunshine to strong winds with sudden squalls and even heavy rain for a short period. It was an event that proved to be a complete test of a well-sorted boat and efficient crew. Officer of the day Andy Smith did an exceptional job, giving a variety of courses in the changeable winds that often characterise sailing at Bass. A visiting fleet included former world champions Steve Goacher and Alan Bax (Northampton) along with Terry Crumpton (Derwent Reservoir), Neil Platt (Bolton), Chris Ducker (Windermere) and Tony Lee (Derwent Reservoir) so the competition was going to be fierce. Neil Platt/A. Gerard (3729) stormed round the first race in strong conditions to notch up their first win with Goacher (3721) and Crumpton (3702) battling it out for 2nd and 3rd respectively. Race 2 was held in even stronger conditions with some wild squalls screaming down the lake and during these squalls both Neil Platt (3729) and R Coates (3484) both lost their masts when standing rigging gave way with expensive results. Goacher won race 2 and Howard Green had just opened his birthday present from his wife and found inside a brand new fifteen (3734). He took his pal Ian Preston for a sail and ended up with second place. Lucky man Howard! Terry Crumpton was again 3rd very consistent. Sudden heavy rain lashed by stiff winds made race 3 rather unpleasant at times and after a good race Alan Bax posted a 3rd position to keep him in contention but with Goacher getting another win the championship was getting very difficult to win. D Douglas/A Weatherspoon (3590) separating the pair with Bass members Scott Beattie/ John Somerville (3673) in 4th. After the days racing the B&B's, hotels and pubs locally did some welcome business in what has been a very bad year for tourism and the visiting sailors were very pleased with the hospitality shown. Sunday was a wonderful day, warm sunshine and good winds all day. Past Bassenthwaite member Martin Stott (3219) certainly enjoyed it, leading the fleet in race 4 for much of the time and the all female boat of Wendy Somerville/Elaine Fairlamb (3332) were right up finishing in an excellent 5th position just behind Alan Bax, Chris Ducker, Howard Green and once again, Steve Goacher. The classic boat of J Arnold/M Pearce (2663) was being sailed brilliantly and leading the classic /silver fleet easily. The final race of the series was superb with good long beats followed by some varied spinnaker legs and places were swapping constantly. Neil Currie having sold his flying fifteen last years borrowed the ex-Goacher boat (3521) and was right up among the leaders with Paul Burnell crewing. They eventually finished 5th. Another longstanding FF stalwart Graham Kirkpatrick, having recently sold his boat to Ireland, is considering a classic fifteen and so borrowed 2504 and managed to keep it in the top 10 until just pipped on the line. Andrew Dunning/Dave Lawson (3641) got into the groove and after battling with Terry Crumpton/John Mathie finished 3rd and 2nd respectively. Howard Green/Ian Preston were 4th, Alan Bax 6th and William Carruthers/Alan Smith 7th. Scott Beattie was 8th after doing turns for hitting a mark and a further two turns for hitting Ian Campbell whilst doing turns! In race 5, Goacher and Evans showed just how brilliant they are and this cheerful pair took line honours once again and thus retained another Northern championship in convincing style. After the event it turned out that Terry Crumpton's boat had not been measured and so he was disqualified from the championship.
Chew Valley16th - 17th JuneThe forecast of wet and windy conditions for the Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club meeting of Flying Fifteens on the Saturday did not materialise, but instead started in a light north westerly breeze and an overcast sky. The competitors were given a choice of courses by the race officer prior to commencement of proceedings; the majority of the 14 competing boats opted for an Olympic route. The first race saw Brett and Ben Dingwall (3603) to the windward mark first, a lead they held and extended throughout the race. A shifting breeze made the beat a place to gain or lose places depending on getting the shifts right or wrong, a feature of the weekends sailing. Simon Patterson and Simon Thompson (Draycote SC – 3693) finished this race in second position with Pete Henney and Andrew Harris (Chew – 3563) finishing third. The second race got under way after a short postponement by the race officer during which a large black mass of cloud went over head turning the wind through 180 degrees and back. Again the Dingwalls completed this race in first place. P Henney and A Harris finished in second, with S Patterson and S Thompson in third. Sundays two races were sailed again in a north westerly shifting wind which had gradually increased overnight to a force 3. Race three saw the Dingwalls gaining yet another win gaining them first overall, this now left the rest of the fleet to fight for the remaining positions. Simon Dangerfield and Alan Rorke (Chew – 3583) sailed to a second place with John and Anita Washington (Rutland – 3429) finishing third. Race 4 recorded yet another win for the Dingwalls, but with second and third places still open for contention, David Baker and Mike Abrahams (Chew – 3623) sailed into and held second position, but S Paterson and S Thompson finished third to gain second place overall just pipping P Henney and A Harris into fourth position pushing them into third overall. Results: Final Positions :
Report from Frank Scoulding
DRAYCOTE WATER CLASSIC30th June - 1st JulyThe fourth round of the Arrowred Classic series was held at Draycote Water in the heart of the Midlands. This regatta, in aid of the Jubilee Sailing Trust, was open to Silver, Classic and Vintage Flying Fifteen. The eleven visitors together with eight boats from the home fleet were greeted on the Saturday morning with sunny spells, one heavy downpour and 10 mph winds. Apart from the rain, excellent sailing conditions for Classic Fifteens. Racing was to be ‘round the cans’ utilising the full 650 acre reservoir. Eighteen boats took to the water for the first race, which commenced in 10 mph westerly winds. The fleet got away at the first time of asking with the Draycote boat of Chris & Val Avery, FF797 first to cross the line. Shifting and variable strength winds gave the competitors plenty to think about. This turned out to be the case for virtually every beat during the entire weekend. Half way up the beat a squall hit the fleet who, for a few minutes, disappeared from view from the Clubhouse. The rain only lasted a few minutes, the last time we saw rain. Emerging from the squall to round the windward mark first was Chris Avery, no mean feat considering this was the first time Chris & Val had sailed this vintage boat. Jeremy Arnold & Mike Pearce, FF2663 and Richard Burton & Tim Geater, FF2572 closely followed Chris. The next leg saw a three sail reach followed by a dead run, followed by a two sail reach taking the fleet from on side of the lake to the other. Chris held onto the lead until the end of the second run when Richard managed to sneak by, otherwise the top five remained unaltered. The fifth leg was another beat where the positions remained unchanged despite shifting winds. The final leg, a three sail reach, completed the thirty-minute lap. Positions swapped and changed with Chris managing to regain the lead starting the second lap. Jeremy, Richard and Brian Glover & Bill Bennett, FF3083 closely followed Chris. However, it soon emerged that Jeremy had touched Chris’ transom whilst rounding the mark. The subsequent 720° dropped Jeremy to 6th. Local knowledge paid on the third beat as Draycote rounded the windward mark 1, 2, 3. However, this time Brian led from Richard followed by Chris. The visitors were not far behind in the shape of David & Caroline Duke, FF2646 and Nick Heath & Ted Legg, FF2520. With clear air, Brian pulled away leaving the next five boats to luff each other. However, the order didn’t change starting the 4th beat, which again saw plenty of place swapping as well as Brian’s lead being considerably reduced. Richard had moved up to second with Chris dropping to 5th. No change on the next leg so the last lap commenced with Brian leading followed closely by Richard, David, Nick, Chris and Jeremy. The rest of the fleet were some distance behind. With the wind picking up for the final lap, average 20 mph, mistakes were looking more likely. By the end of the fifth beat the six leaders had split into three pairs with Brian and Richard in front. Places remained unaltered until the run where with gusts of 25 mph meant gibing proved interesting. Brian duly gybed, subsequently broached, and had to drop the spinnaker. This left Richard with a good lead and allowed David to sneak into second place starting the second beat. The fleet again spread out over the full width of the beat with a lack cover tacking seeming to take place. This allowed the first three boat to close up and round the penultimate mark to start the final leg. After plenty of luffing, defending, etc, David rounded the last mark and subsequently crossed the finishing line just six feet ahead of Richard and a boats length ahead of Brian. All that in front of the Clubhouse, perfect for the spectators. So, the first race to the visitors. The second race commenced soon after the first had finished. The westerly wind had increased to an average 20 mph. Again, the race started first time from the club line; this time Tony Levy & Mark Gardner was the first boat to cross the line. With the bank looming, Richard had to tack onto port and go behind the whole fleet, which proved costly as Richard only managed to round the windward mark in fourth place. Ahead of Richard was Tony, Brian and in the lead, Jeremy. Meanwhile David was back in seventh. The subsequent two off wind legs, a three sail reach and a run saw plenty of places changing in the top seven boats. However, commencing the second beat, Jeremy still led from Tony with Nick having moved into third place. The second beat again saw the fleet split, some boats choosing to go bank hopping, with the rest preferring the centre of the lake. The bank proved the more favourable as Jeremy and Nick emerged comfortably in the lead. Positions remained unaltered until the first beat of the second lap, which saw Jeremy establish a good lead this time from Tony who had made up a lot of ground. Positions didn’t alter until the next beat where Nick regained second place. The final leg proved too tight to fly a spinnaker however Nick through caution to the wind and put his up. It looked the right policy as Nick closed up on the leader. Unfortunately for Nick, Tony was right on his transom and as Nick dropped his kite, Tony sneaked up the inside to gain water at the mark. Jeremy duly crossed the finishing line first by two boat lengths from Tony with Nick just behind. Another close finish for the spectators. For Draycote, Richard was fourth with Brian just behind in sixth. So overnight, David led from Jeremy. The second day brought sunshine and 10 mph westerly winds. With the fleet having to share the lake with the club racing, the PRO took the fleet to the left hand side of the lake and ran back-to-back races using a committee boat line. The shifting westerly winds still prevailed from the previous day, which caused a few problems for the OD team. However after a short delay, the fleet got away again at the first time of asking. Mike Jones & Graham Dougal, FF2665, was the first to cross the line with Bob & Rose Cragg, FF2594, making an excellent start from the committee boat end. Yet again the fleet spread out using both extremities of the beat, just as they had done the day before. Making the best of it was Tony who got round the windward mark in first place just ahead of Chris Avery who had decided not to enter the second race the day before due to fatigue. Making their best start to a race so far, Bob & Rose Cragg rounded in sixth. Unfortunately, they could not hold onto this position and subsequently dropped back during the race. The next two off-wind legs saw little change apart from the leader pulling out a 150 yard lead and the first six boats establishing a good lead over the fleet. The second beat proved as equally challenging as the first especially with the shifting wind. The leader kept a cover on the fleet to round the mark comfortably in the lead from Nick, Brian, Jeremy, Chris and, making the top six for the first time, Roger Finch & Jim Reid, FF2213. The final leg was a run, which caused second to sixth to bunch up, however, Tony rounded the leeward mark in first. Unfortunately, the wrong way! Tony only realised his mistake 200 yards up the beat and had to go back. This proved costly as Tony dropped to 10th. Of the next 5 boats, two also rounded the wrong way, Nick and Brian. Both re-rounded and lost very little time. Further down the fleet, starting the second lap in ninth place was Malcolm Chambers & Jenny Banks, FF2880 from Draycote Water. Malcolm’s usual position is at the back of the fleet so it was a nice surprise seeing Malcolm doing so well. Indeed, Malcolm kept his nerve and finished the race in ninth. Well done to them both. Back at the front Roger took full advantage of the mistakes being made by the boats in front of him to round the windward mark first with Chris back up to second from Jeremy and Nick. With the top six boats holding station for the next two legs, it was on the fourth beat when position swapping became rife. Jeremy had the best beat taking over the lead from Roger, Chris and Brian. However the top six boats were still close together giving the spectators some excellent entertainment. With every one rounding the leeward mark the correct way to complete the lap, the order remained unchanged. The next beat proved decisive as Jeremy pulled away from the fleet and Brian slipped comfortably into second. With Chris and David Duke doing battle for third, it meant that Roger had dropped down to sixth just behind Nick. The next two legs saw Brian slowly reeling in the leader and Chris managing to hang onto third spot. The finishing line came too quickly for Brian as Jeremy took first place for the second time. However, Chris hung on for third half a boats length ahead of David. Nick and Roger finished off the top six. In still variable 10/15 mph winds, the final race was going to decide who won the event. With five boats still able to win, Jeremy was favourite as third would have secured him overall victory. This led to the most exciting start so far and for the first time, boats were over the line as the gun went. The offenders were Nick, Roger and John Dinnie & Richard Chaplin, FF1035. All three went back and re-started. The beat lived up to expectation yet again with most of the fleet choosing the left side. However, it was the same faces at the front of the beat rounding the windward mark, Richard in front followed by David, Chris & Brian. The order remained fairly static for the next two spinnaker reaches and the second beat yet again proved tricky but the order remained the same, only the gaps between the boats increased. At the end of the first lap, the first six had managed to pull away from the rest of the fleet with Jeremy holding onto sixth. On the next beat, Brian started to make his move to the front, on this beat he got passed David and on the next beat managed to take over the lead. Also on this beat, Chris had taken over third position. This gave Draycote the first three places. With Jeremy still back in sixth, it was looking good for Brain as he started the final beat. Despite pressure from Chris & Richard, Brian held on for not only the beat but the subsequent final two off wind legs to take the win. Chris had taken Richard on the final beat to finish second, leaving Richard in third. At last, a Draycote 1,2,3. Meanwhile, Jeremy had moved up into fifth but this was not good enough as Brian’s win in the last race gave him overall victory by just one point. So, the final results were as follows:-
Thank you to all who provided some excellent racing. Report from Richard Hope
Inland Championships - Bala Sailing Club14th - 15th JulyThe Flying Fifteen Inland Championship 2001 was held at Bala SC over the weekend of 14th -15th July. Thirty-two boats competed over four races. It is no coincidence that whilst mere mortals were complaining about the fickle and variable conditions the first two places in the event were taken by ex world champions. Saturday gave the competitors particularly challenging conditions with winds varying between zero to force two and from most points of the compass. Race one was won by Steve Goacher and Phil Evans (3721) closely pursued by Neil Platt and Jamie Marston (3729). The race officer displayed excellent timing in getting race two away in the strongest breeze of the day. Alan Bax and Paul Busby (3611) took the race with Platt / Marston in second place again. Sunday morning brought fresher conditions but the competitors still had to contend with big shifts . The Goacher / Evans team established a strong position in the championship with a first place followed by Dave and Sally McKee (3628). The final race of the weekend was sailed in the best conditions of the weekend. Alan Bax and Paul Busby had a flying pin end start which established a lead, which they defended to the finish followed by father and son team Tullet in 3728.
Report by Adrian Tattersall
Royal Motor Yacht Club21st - 22nd July19 Flying Fifteens from 8 clubs around the country took part in the FF Southern Classic Regatta organised by The Royal Motor Yacht Club on the 21/22 July 2001. On the first day in brisk conditions and glorious sunshine the two courses allowed a tour of the harbour. Copy Cat, sailed by David Ramsden and Keith Snow, from Draycote SC, won both races. Unfortunately just after the start of the second race Flying Nukie (J. Pattisson) pulled a shroud from the deck and had to retire. An excellent barbecue was consumed in the evening. On the second day the racing took part in Poole Bay and after light drizzle cleared, the fleet sailed two courses in light winds. Copy Cat scored a further win in the first race, leaving Midnight Cocktail ( Peter McKenna and Phil Owen) to take the honours in the second. Thanks go to the Race Officer, Bryan Drake of Drakes Shopfitting who also sponsored the event. Results
Report from Sally Davis
Falmouth Week11th - 18th AugustFalmouth Week is now an established event in the Flying Fifteen calendar attracting a regular group of devotees who come not only for the excellent sailing but also to enjoy the camaraderie of the fleet. Perhaps surprisingly, as this was the week before the Nationals, the numbers were a little down on the peak of 45 achieved three years ago. Indeed only five boats were entered for both weeks but that perhaps is the appeal of Falmouth Week - it offers competitive sailing but in a very relaxed atmosphere with the majority of boats sailed by couples. Thirty-seven Fifteens were entered including a separate entry of three Classics. Grafham were the largest fleet with ten boats followed by Chew Valley and Bewl with six each. Most boats were dry sailed from the Watersports Centre and this year the tides were favourable for us in that pulling out up the slipway was at a highish tide! Falmouth Week traditionally is a week of varied weather and this year was no exception although we probably had the worst weather for some years. Race Management is undertaken by a different club each day and except for Helford River all the races take place in Carrick Roads. Unfortunately the first day, Sunday, dawned wet and windy with a big swell running and, as the race required a five-mile trek in open sea down to the Helford River, the decision was taken to cancel all racing for the day. However Fifteen sailors are not so faint hearted and a practice race was hastily organised out in the Carrick Roads for those keen to check that they had rigged their boats correctly after the long journey to Falmouth. Some of us however took the opportunity of an early rest day to explore the delights of the region. Our trip around took us to Mylor and Restronguet and it was indeed rather strange to see such a huge stretch of water with so few boats out especially on a Sunday. Monday saw a total change in conditions with a south-westerly force two to three. Roger and Claire Wood in Hakuna Matata (3539) set an early lead which they held to the finish followed by Simon Kneller in 3699 and Simon Dangerfield in 3583. Similar conditions but slightly stronger southerly winds on Tuesday provided the same result for first and second places with David Baker in 3623 taking third. Wednesday was a huge disappointment especially to some of us who normally contest the rear of the fleet and who found ourselves gybing the second mark just behind the leading group of five and with no other boats in sight! Most of the fleet had tacked up the starboard side hugging the shore only to find that in the heavy sea mist they had overstood the mark to such an extent that they were forced to run under spinnakers to reach the wing mark. At that point on the third leg of the first lap the race was abandoned because of heavy sea mist and all that some of us were left with were tales of how "we wuz robbed"! For ffefryn (3528) and Just Perfect (3726) our rare moment of almost glory was embellished as the week went on and communicated post haste to Perth, Australia to amuse Janet and Nick Jerwood, past regulars at Falmouth. Thursday dawned bright with a building breeze and the promise of some good conditions to compensate for the disappointments of the previous day. A postponement flag was already flying by the time we got on the water as a disabled tanker was about to be towed onto a mooring in the middle of our planned course. Our scheduled 11 am start drifted to 12.25 by which time the wind had strengthened and some of us had got so cold and frustrated that we decided to call it a day. Those who persevered were rewarded by some excellent but challenging conditions. The heavier crews revelled in the conditions and honours were taken by Aggro 11 (3690), followed by Fat Boys Go Faster (3583). Simon Kneller was protested and disqualified for crossing the wrong side of the finish allowing the Woods to take third place. To compensate for not racing six of us visited the Port Pendennis Shipyard and were given a tour of one of the world's leading luxury yacht builders. The J Class Shamrock had just completed a major refit and about to leave was the 200ft. plus Adix which was the largest yacht at the Americas Cup Jubilee at Cowes the following week. That evening Gail Pattison organised an excellent evening at Jeremy's where thirty-four of us took over the whole restaurant. Other plans for a barbecue and a post race sail up the Fal to the Smugglers Inn were unfortunately thwarted by the weather. St Mawes Club were hosts for the Friday race; a heavily biased line inevitably resulted in a general recall, the first of the week. Most of us tacked along the shore to keep out of the incoming tide but those that took a flier, deliberate or otherwise, up the centre of the channel left the rest of us trailing by the first windward mark. Gail Pattison in Chiffon (3190) decided to go for a short swim on the rocks near St Mawes when her toe strap broke but back on board they made a determined effort to work their way back up the fleet. The return of lighter winds favoured Hakuna Matata who took first place for the third time that week, followed by the Dingwall boys in Dad's boat 3603 and Simon Kneller in 3699. Traditionally the Saturday race hosted by Flushing S.C attracts less entries as most of us have to pack up our boats and head homewards. Gale force winds and torrential rain overnight reduced numbers even further even though by the delayed start the south easterly wind and swell had subsided. It seems that even the Race Committee had thought that racing would be cancelled as they were not on station until the Fifteens scheduled start! Only eleven boats stayed around to complete the race allowing Simon Kneller in Ana Karenina to take line honours ahead of Bob Gatton in Iff Only (3683) and Simon Dangerfield in 3583. Individual race prizes awarded by the local clubs were presented at the end of each day but the Fifteens award two trophies for the overall results. First overall went to Roger and Claire Wood of Notts County - the second time they have won the trophy and the third time that Hakuna Matata has her name on the trophy. Recognising the family element of Falmouth Week the second trophy, donated by Ian and Jean Stowe and Ivor and Linda Preece, is awarded to the leading couple other than the winners This year's winners are Mike and Anne De St Paer of Grafham in Dragonfly (3680) who finished ninth overall. The Classic prize was won by David and Carol Duke of Grafham in Hair Restorrar (2646) As we all pulled out of the boat park for the long journey home the competitors for the Nationals were busy rigging their boats. We hope they enjoyed their week as much as we did even though the weather had been less than perfect! Most of us will be back next year and for those who have never been to Falmouth Week - come and join us. You will have a great time-good sailing for all levels with friendly rivalry throughout the fleet and lots of fun. Next year's dates are 11th -17th August. See you there!
Report from Penny Ramus and Judy Walker
Rydon Homes National Championships - Royal Cornwall Yacht Club19th - 24th August
The first day of the Rydon Homes National Championships (sponsored by Ovington Boats) provided close racing for all competitors, with a variety of Weather conditions. Racing was held for both the Open fleet, and the Classics (sail numbers below 2700). A practise race was held first, followed by race 1 of the championships. In the open fleet, a tight pack was led round the weather mark by Geoff Bayliss & Grayson Eacott, with the other leading positions being held down the reaches and onto the second beat. The run saw some changes of position with those opting to go left making gains. The finish order saw Justin and Amanda Waples of Grafham Water taking the gun. For the open fleet first race, the start got under way during a torrential downpour. Working the left hand side of the course seemed to be favoured, with Mike Lydon and Alistair Rose leading the fleet around the first mark. The wind stayed reasonably steady for most fo the first lap, but was starting to swing as the fleet sailed down the second reach, causing some boats to drop their spinnakers in order to lay the leeward mark. Place changing took place on the ensuing beat, with Barry and Sue Parkin taking the lead, unfortunately due to a broken main halyard, this was short lived, with John Lavery & David O'Brien from Ireland taking the lead. Eventually Steve Goacher got past to take the gun, with Lavery and Alan Bax/Paul Busby very close behind. The second day of the Rydon Homes Flying Fifteen National Championships being sailed at the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club Falmouth saw a welcome return of the sun. Two races were held for each fleet. Light and variable winds meant that the tide was a major factor. The fleet got away first time, with most boats heading out to sea, which paid off as the boats on the shore side soon realised. Steve Goacher & Phil Evans were slightly delayed by hitting the pin end bout which left them well adrift!. Alan Bax & Paul Busby won the race from Barry and Sue Parkin, with the Irish Crew of Brian McKee and Ian Smyth in a creditable third.
Race 3
Due to either too much wind or too little wind, no racing was run on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Day five of the Rydon Homes Flying Fifteen National Championships saw race officer David Cunliffe bring the Classic and Open fleets into Carrick Roads in the hope of getting the best of the breeze. The fleets managed to get three races in, going some way to redressing the loss of the previous two days. Both fleets sailed the same course with a ten minute interval between starts. The wind was a fairly consistent F2-3, with a major shift towards the end of the first race, and part way through the last race. The open fleet had three different winners with Steve Goacher, Barry Parkin and Charles Apthorp all taking honours. Over all honours for the day went to Charles Apthorp & Jonathon Clarke with Barry & Sue Parkin coming second and Neil Platt & Jamie Marston third. The final day of the Rydon Homes Flying Fifteen National Championships, held by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club saw the fleet return to Falmouth Bay. Winds were generally F2-3 with the occasional lighter spot to catch the unwary. Two races were sailed by the two fleets. In the open fleet, the first race saw several competitors fall foul of the black flag, including series leaders Steve Goacher & Phil Evans. The eventual winners were the father and son combination of Brett and Ben Dingwall, with the husband and wife partnership of Barry and Sue Parkin coming second. Third place went to Brian McKee & Ian Smyth, visiting for the week from Ireland. The second race saw a clean start by the fleet, and after a slightly shortened course, Steve Goacher finished first, with a commanding lead, with the Dingwalls second and the Parkins third.
ClassicsInitially the Classic racing was planned to take place in the harbour, but with only Ten entries it was decided to hold the classic nationals out in Falmouth bay sailing the same course as the allcomers. First impressions were that by sailing the same coursewe would be spaced apart to such a degree that close racing for the classics may be just a dream. How wrong could one be, with six different race winners over the eight races completed, it couldn’t have been more competitive.There was considerable discussion at the AGM around sailing in the harbour versus the same Olympic course used by the allcomers. The unanimous consensus was for the Olympic courses. Racing commenced on the first day with the practice race, and it was clear that the tide would have a significant effect with those sailing the beat inshore gaining the benefit of the slacker tide in Falmouth bay. Race 1 was sailed in light airs with Stuart Jones and Jennifer Prout sailing 1155 – Squall taking the first honours. Mike Jones and Simon Thomas in 2645 - Hangover rounding the leeward mark in second only to be piped on the line by Peter Hogg and Andrew Mckee in 759 - Flame who were favoured by a big wind shift on the starboard side of the final short beat. Race 3 was a much closer race sailed in very light airs with the crews enjoying a rest in the bottom of the boats. The race being finally decided on the run with 759 Flame just sneaking ahead of Jeremy Arnold and Elizabeth Orchard sailing 2663 - Reservoir Dog. Day three saw racing abandoned due to the wind and tide combination being, in the race officers opinion, too dangerous to sail, so all enjoyed a day either sightseeing or tweaking their boats to get that extra bid of speed. Day four saw racing commence, this time in Carrick Rhodes rather than out in the bay. The race officer managed to get three races in with line honours being won by three different boats – Race 7 by Mike Jones in Hangover, Race 8 by David Naylor and Norman Christie in 2620 Spring Sonata and Race 4 by Reservoir Dog. And so to Day 5 with the race officer hoping to also hold the abandoned Race 5 from Day 3. Again we were out in Falmouth Bay after a failed attempt to set a course in Carrick Rhodes. The wind was light again with not much hicking out required. Race 9 saw the sixth different race winner in the series with George and Martin Rock Evans beating Geoff Town and Andy Murphy in 598 Fflare. The final race of the series was won by Jeremy Arnold and Elizabeth Orchard recording their second win of the event followed by Flame in Second and Squall in third. The Classic Nationals was a great success and our congratulations go to Stuart Jones and Jennifer Prout in 1155 Squall from Cardiff Bay Sailing Club. Stuart and Jennifer say they have only been sailing fifteens for about a year although Stuart has been sailing since he was about three years old (we understand !!!). Having experienced the Classic Nationals for the first time my overall impression is that sailing the series using Olympic courses with Allcomer Hotshots, notwithstanding their indisipline at starting (or do they just like black flags !!!) is a fantastic experience which will get even better with more of us taking part. To all those potential Classic Champions out there – don’t hesitate – start planning for next year at Largs – It’s going to be great!
Classic report from Peter Hogg
ALDEBURGH WEEK19th - 24th August14 Flying Fifteens competed for the Tom Riggs Salver at the annual Aldeburgh Week from 19 – 24 August. With a number of new members in the fleet and stalwarts Ben Nicholls away sailing Lutine at Cowes and Justin Waples at the nationals in Falmouth the series was wide open resulting in some exciting sailing and needle competition. The regatta opened on Sunday with the South Westerly force 6 wind providing a challenging down river beat followed by some spectacular and occasionally hair raising down wind moments especially as a weather front passed through the race area generating gusts well in excess of 30 knots. Leading at the leeward mark, Jock Mawson in The Artfful Dodger then set off on a magical mystery tour closely followed by most of the fleet allowing Paul Botterill in Mr Puffa closely followed by Toby Courlander in the new fforza azzuri (apparently meaning Chelsea not Ipswich!) to finish 1st and 2nd respectively.
The next race on Tuesday was sailed in a steady SW 4 with race officer Paul Botterill setting 2 long windward leeward legs. This time The Artfull Dodger prevailed to take line honours with Julian Roney in Ffortune (3060) in 2
Wednesday start was delayed because of light airs but as the onshore began to fill in the fleet set off almost to Orford into the start of the flood. As the wind eased up on the second leg the lead changed at least eight times until Sarah Davies in her newly aquired Icy Calm 2390 put her Norfolk Broads childhood into practice using every zephyr to break clear of the fleet and take line honours with Mr Puffa 2nd.
By tradition the Thursday race is down to the river and around Havergate Island. The light winds and contrary tides made for a lot of changes in the lead position until fforza azzuri finally lifted her skirt and kicked off her shoes on the last beat to win convincingly from the Artfful Dodger in 2nd place.
Friday dawned with Toby, Jock and Paul all lying equal on points and Ben Nicholls back in the fleet from Cowes. By the last leeward mark Ben, Paul and Sarah had managed to break clear but were all within a few boats length of each other as they played the shifts on the final beat down West Row back to the club on the last of the ebb and at the line it was Paul to take line honours and the series followed by Sarah and Ben.
1st sail number under 3200 - 3160 Julian Roney - Tim Power
Report from Paul Botterill
Plenty of sunshine and winds, which varied from light and fickle, through to the top end of force four, was the setting for the twenty-two boat fleet. With three wins and two seconds
the father and son team of Andy and Anthony Osman sailing in a Coryn-Goacher combination proved too fast for the rest of the fleet and were worthy winners.
Results:
Classic Boats Prize
The Flying 15 Open at Bala got off to a flying start with Saturday's
race 1 starting in a SW 4 to 5 with the lead changing hands several
times over a very fast course Adrian Tattersall and Tom Williams 3675
taking the final honours, in front of Nick and Clare Taylor 3575. Race
2 saw a dramatic increase in the wind strength to force 5 to 7. John
and Bernie Saunders 3038 got off to a stunning start and led until just
before the last leward mark, only to regain the lead from Nick and Clare
Taylor on the last beat to win.
DAY 2 saw the wind drop to mainly SW 2 to 3 with lots of interesting
shifts. After lots of place changing everything was down to the last
race which Graham Lamond and Scott Train 617 led only to be taken on
the last beat by Clare and Nick Taylor.
Thanks to every one for some fantastic racing, hope to see you all
again next year.
Report from John Eaton
Two visitors together with seven boats from the home fleet competed for the 19th Draycote Open. First two races were sailed on Olympic courses. First race commenced in 10 mph northwesterly winds varying in both speed and direction, which made the first beat very interesting. Making the best of the conditions to round the windward mark first was Robin & Chris Rhodes, FF3358, closely followed by Harry Sayers & Richard Hope, FF3324, and Brian Glover & Hender Blewett, FF3083. Then, rounding the wing mark for the first time, Robin misjudged and duly hit the mark. The resulting 360° penalty turn dropped Robin back into third and left Harry in the lead with Brian just behind. Over the next two laps Harry’s lead fluctuated between 50 – 250 yards. However, commencing the last triangle, Harry’s held a comfortable 250 yard lead but on the penultimate leg, the wind filled in from behind and Brian closed to within 50 yards behind Harry. Despite the final beat being one sided, it still proved tricky with both leaders taking different approaches to the finishing line. Harry proved finally to have judged it correctly and crossed the line only a few boat lengths ahead of Brian with Robin back in third place.
The second race commenced in slightly stronger winds, up to 15mph. With the wind shifting thirty seconds before the start saw race one winners virtually starting last with Robin again making the best start. With shifting winds came plenty of place changing amongst the leaders. However, for the second race running, Robin was first around the windward mark followed by Brian and John & Jane Mander, FF3573. Meanwhile Harry was back in seventh. On the next leg, Harry made his move taking the inside line and duly obtained water at the wing mark to round in third just behind Robin & Brian. Places remained the same until the next beat, which saw major changes. Robin was the main loser dropping to fourth and John the main winner as he rounded the windward mark first followed by Harry and Brian. The next lap saw little change apart from the first two boats establishing a very comfortable lead. On the penultimate beat, Harry managed to cut Johns lead to only a few yards and sustain it until the final beat. Quarter of the way up the beat saw a significant wind shift giving the lead to Harry. The rest of the beat saw a tacking duel with Harry just keeping the upper hand all the way to the line. So Harry notched up his second win by just three boat lengths from John with Tony Levy & Mark Gardner, FF3186, one of our two visitors, back in third. So overnight, Harry led from Brian.
The second day brought slightly stronger winds, 15 mph average westerly winds. The fleet joined in with the club racing, however with Fifteens still running the racing. The first start saw the fleet bunching on the start line with Brian trying to force his way in, between the committee boat and Harry. Unfortunately, Brian grazed the side of Harry’s boat and had to do a 720. Shifting winds still prevailed with the left side of the beat proving favourable. Roger Webb & Keith Snow, FF3465, managed to round the windward mark first from Harry & John. On the next leg, Harry and John passed Roger and began to pull away over the next two laps. Whilst Harry’s lead fluctuated, he never lost control and held on to take the win and the event despite some severe pressure from John with Roger in third place.
The course remained the same for the final race in order to help the visitors and the visitors duly complied by rounding the windward mark second and third just behind John. Tony was second and John Washington & Simon Smith, FF3429, was third. The next leg, three sail reach, saw Harry take the inside line, repeat of the second race, and again duly rounded the next mark third just behind Tony. The third leg saw Harry take Tony to take second and catch up to the leader. The next two laps saw John and Harry pull away from the fleet with John managing to hold Harry off, until that is halfway up the final beat. Unfortunately, John did not see a non-racing Miracle and a collision occurred causing one of John’s shrouds to break. This gave Harry a comfortable lead over Roger & Brian and Harry duly finished four legs later to take a clean sweep of all four races. John’s mishap eventually cost him second place overall with Brian’s third in the last race good enough to take second overall by just one point.
So, the final results were as follows:-
1st Boat Under 3000 2845 Terry Hands & Maurice Riches (DWSC)
Report by Richard Hope
The postponed Dovestone Classic Flying Fifteen Regatta was held on the weekend of 8/9 September along with the Open meeting for ‘allcomers’. Visitors were welcomed from Grafham Water and Ogston SC and the home fleet turned out their best. The racing was very competitive throughout the weekend.
Wind from the north was brisk and gusty as it coursed down the valley creating testing conditions for everyone.
David McKee, sailing with his son Andrew in ‘Full Monty’, won all four races in the Open fleet. Ian Dyson and Anne Webb in ‘Affretado’ sailed a good series to come second and Graham Winterbottom and Barbara Miles in ‘Too Flippant’ were third.
When the final Classics race was started, the race team witnessed several line incidents as the tension mounted. Any one of four boats could have won overall, but, ‘Fighting Fit’ lived up to her name and crossed the line in first place to win the Trophy for the first boat number over 2000. Dovestone boat ‘Flame’ (759), sailed by Peter Hogg and David Downs, won the Trophy for the first boat under 2000.
The traditional “Concourse d’elegance” certificates were awarded to ‘Flame’ and ‘Tesscalamoo’, the latter owned by Michael and Teresa Hampson.
Classic Results
Alan Bax and Paul Busby from Hayling Island S.C. sailing ff 3711 emerged as worthy winners of the Bulwark Trophy held in Hayling Bay, counting two seconds and a first place, enough to retain the Trophy for the second successive year.
A strong warning was announced for the south coast and winds of 15-20 kts made for lively sailing conditions. The north-westerly wind flicked this way and that giving opportunities to gain places fast and also to lose them as quickly.
On Saturday ff 3699Simon Kneller and Andy Palmer from Grafham led away from the pin end and carved out a lead which was never seriously threatened. Astern ff 3296 “ffoil” sailed by Roger Sherwood and crewed by owner Adrian Simpson gave chase. After two rounds Alan Bax and Paul Busby and Barry and Sue Parkin in ff 3630 made up a great deal of ground after both had been over at the pin end and been forced to go round again. On the last triangle these two boats passed ffoil to gain second and third positions.
The second race was sailed in similar conditions excellent beats and fast and furious planing reaches, Simon Raw and Dan Johnson sailing f f 3645 struck inshore and gained a commanding lead.
Behind them Alan Bax / Paul Busby made up places as did the Parkins to finish second and third.
Sunday’s wind was even stronger but with more north in it so sea conditions were improved in the Bay where the fleet headed after a short delay on shore.
The fleet was away first time, with Brett and Oliver Dingwall unfortunately over the line. This was after the pair had missed Saturday’s racing through car breakdown!
Alan Bax/Paul Busby were soon on to port tack heading inshore where they rounded just ahead of the Dingwalls and “saffina” ff 3615 Roger and Barbara Palmer. Unfortunately Brett Dingwall had omitted to tie on his spinnaker. So he soon lost his position and ff 3643 Michael and Patrick Hicks moved through to third place. After another round ff 3630 Barry and Sue Parkin moved through to second place but could not catch Bax/Busby. “Saffina” Roger and Barbara Palmer just held off the Dingwalls and the Hicks brothers to retain third place.
The fourth and last race was held under a black flag: this time the wind patterns favoured those who started badly at the Committee boat end and went inshore. At the first mark it was ff 3706 Tom Leonard and Nick Willis who lead from “saffina” Roger and Barbara Palmer with Alan Bax/Paul Busby in third place. On the next three beats there was opportunity as the wind direction and strength varied and on the third beat the Dingwalls, who had been lying in sixth place, went left and then right to catch and pass Alan Bax /Paul Busby. They held their position to the finish to count a first place a disqualification and two did-not –starts! Overall the speed and consistent sailing of Alan Bax and Paul Busby gave them the Trophy with Barry and Sue Parkin in second place and the Hicks brothers, Michael and Patrick from Salcombe in third place.
The Classic Trophy was awarded to ff 759 Peter Hogg/Dave Downs from Dovestone S C.
After a hard sail in against the spring ebb tide the competitors enjoyed a tea of sandwiches and cakes before prizegiving and the long trail home.
Report from Roger Palmer
Strong winds were forecast and they duly arrived for this event,part of the
Kielder Water Open Meeting with visitors of various classes from as far
South as London. Unfortunately only three Fifteens arrived but two decided
not to sail. Only three home boats made it - Newcastle were playing
Manchester United.
On Saturday the winds started at 16 - 17 knots gusting to 22 knots then
increasing to gusts reaching 26 knots at the clubhouse and more on the
water, and with beats just over a mile long it was obviously a case where
size matters but with good reaches. Different courses were set for each of
the five races over the weekend, which made for an interesting racing
programme. Simon Robinson in his new boat 3737 won both Saturday
races with Steve Jarvis 2704 and Giles Passmore 3139 changing places
and having a good tussle for second place which Steve eventually won -
after Giles' spinnaker found a yet undiscovered knotting system with
Martin Downey 2648 fourth.
Sunday dawned with clear blue skies and a breeze of 6 - 10 knots and
three races to be sailed. Steve Jarvis failed to appear. Again Simon
Robinson won the three races with Giles Passmore and Martin Downey
having a good battle behind him, with Giles eventually finishing ahead.
Towards the end of the third race the wind decided that it was not to be
forgotten and sent a rain squall that was stronger than anything we had
had all weekend. Simon had just finished, Giles was knocked nearly flat
and Martin flat - filling up with Kielder Water. All around there were centre
boards pointing up where there should have been masts - a keel can be a
useful asset!
The sailing had been god with sailors of all classes enjoying the range of
conditions.
Overall results
Report from Giles Passmore
It was not until the Uffa Fox designed Flying Fifteen class was almost 50 years old that the beginnings of a fleet emerged at Parkstone YC. But the original seven boats have grown to twenty since that first 1996 season and most of them were in action when the club hosted this Flying Fifteen Open Meeting.
Parkstone's Andy Osman, in his first season of sailing his own boat, followed up his Poole Week class victory with the best performance by a club helm in overall third, crewed by his fifteen year old son Anthony.
They led for most of the way in the light winds of Saturday's opening race, to be pipped at the post by the old maestro of Parkstone, Bob Hoare.
In Sunday's Force 4/5 northerly blow it was the heavyweights who gained the advantage but the Osrnans still achieved a third in the days first exhausting race and despite feeling 'whacked', managed a seventh on their final outing. Overall victory went to heavy weather specialists Michael and Patrick Hicks, of Salcombe SC, with two firsts on Sunday, leading round the weather mark each time never to be challenged. Runner up was Pip Hudson crewed by John Dick, of Broxbourne SC, the former having been a top flight Merlin Rocket sailor who only switched to Flying
Fifteens six weeks earlier but who is clearly a man for the future. PRO Bryan Drake set up excellent Olympic type courses so that even the tail enders came ashore having had some top class racing.
Ten visitors joined the home fleet for five fun packed races on 29th & 30th September. Five different race winners lead to the closest ever finish.
Saturday evening saw the three leaders all on 4 points and the competition was hot right to the last legs of the final race.
Chief race officer Stuart Poole called a huddle of his team, the contenders, and the rule book to sort out the tie break. Eventually Brett & Ben Dingwall were declared victorious ahead of Roger & Clare Wood, both boats having identical 1,2,2,3,4 results.
Wet and shifty on Saturday, wet and windy on Sunday, lots of buoys and tight reaches gave close racing for the nineteen boats. Good starts, boat handling and spinnaker gybing were the essential ingredients.
As usual, the Notts. County hospitality team did a brilliant job and we look forward to seeing our visitors again.
Report from Paul Brown
Imagine a club centrally placed for easy access off the major trunk routes. A club where the water level is always constant, where launching is easy,
down nicely angled slipways, with a tractor to pull you out and with wooden staging along the shore to keep your feet dry. Where you
can tie up in front of the club for lunch and the bar is 30 feet away. A club with good changing and eating facilities, a library and even a
large workshop with a floor built to stringent enough tolerances to get your boat measured. On the water, there's even a weed cutter to
ensure you don't foul the rudder. Best of all, as a classic Fifteen sailor, numbers are limited to 2700, so there's no need to worry about
cheque book sailing . Whilst I'm sure there are many clubs who can boast some or all of these facilities, there can be few who combine
them with a welcome and hospitality such as was given to the visitors who attended the Classic open at Middle Nene S.C. in mid
October. Unfortunately, the only let down was the almost complete lack of wind, but the club had everything else well under control.
The weather was warm and sunny, making shorts and t-shirts the order of the day and allowing people to enjoy the evening on the
verandah until well after dark. Superb food was on offer all day and topped off by a wonderful three course meal on Saturday night. At
£3.00 per head, you wonft find better anywhere. The club even has its own house wine, appropriately labeled 'Chateaux Bateaux'
(!), very drinkable. A couple of extra bottles made it into the car for later enjoyment, anyway. On the water the race officer had the
unenviable task of running races in almost nothing, but the feat was achieved and five races, including a crew's race were held over the
weekend. For those hard of hearing, the starting signals were provided by a large shotgun, the air blast from which was sufficient to
give those by the committee boat an unfair advantage. I just hope that when the black flag is used, the blanks aren't replaced by live
cartridges! I'm sure the results will be published elsewhere, but 18 boats made to the water, including eight visitors. One boat even
turned up, rigged, saw the competition and went away again. Come on guys, this is Classic Fifteen sailing, don't take it too seriously!
Anyway, a great time was had by all and a sincere 'thank you' to all at Middle Nene for a great weekend. If you haven't been before, add
it to your Classic calendar for 2002. You won't be disappointed.
Report from Graham Lamond
For the second year the Flying Fifteens were invited as a guest class to compete in the Micro d’Heure, the end of season and end of series regatta for the Micro Cuppers in Continental Europe.
Fifty two boats entered from seven countries, thirty one Micro Cuppers and fourteen cruisers up to about 25ft.
This year we managed to assemble four Fifteens from the U.K and the Belgian fleet was trebled from last year not only by the addition of Veronique Hachez’s newer boat, 2818, as well as the original Tokay, 1560, but by the launch of the first new build in Belgium, almost literally straight out of the mould! There was consternation when their new sails had not arrived by Friday evening but Tony Lee inevitably had a spare set just in case. However Sunday morning saw the launch of “fflying Delta” resplendent in a fetching hull of mid blue and a pristine set of her own sails. Not a bad achievement considering the mould was only made three weeks previously!!
This year we actually managed to see the landscape as we travelled through Belgium from Calais and we were treated to a wonderful warm weekend in attractive countryside. The Lac Eau’Heure is part of the largest complex of lakes in Belgium, situated in the Ardennes Region on the French Belgium border some fifty miles south of Brussels. Rigging the boat on Friday afternoon was easy with the help of a £1.50 litre of red wine and Brenda’s pots of tea brewed in the Campervan. Having pioneered the event last Autumn this year Brenda & Tony and ourselves were joined by Nick Heath, sailing with David Bricknell, Paul Botterill from Aldeburgh and crew Will Robinson; Chris Hough (crewing for Tony), Kath Hough & Wendy Bricknell completed our party.
As most of us had prepared the boats on Friday afternoon we had time for a leisurely practice on Saturday before racing started at around 1pm. The wind was a gentle force 2 and enough to complete two races on Saturday.
A start line of fifty two is hectic enough without the tension of a very mixed group of boats, some with outboards protruding dangerously from the transom, and the added uncertainty of whether “starboard” is understood in French, Polish, Dutch, Austrian etc!! We soon learnt that most of the cruising class could not react quickly and that being caught to leeward of any of the boats was suicide especially at a mark! A good start and clean air were even more important than normal. Light winds and the handicapping system did not favour the Fifteens against the Micro Cuppers who with their centreboards raised were fast down wind especially in the light conditions. In 3726 we had a great start and led the Fifteens and most of the fleet right up to the penultimate mark when Tony managed to squeeze past and we were then blanketed by a Micro Cupper
In the second race Paul Botterill in 3597 led the Fifteens over the line after a close and fluctuating race with Tony & Chris in 3695, catching Tony on the line but still only achieving 20th overall
SNEH the host club excelled themselves on Saturday night when a splendid three course meal was served to about seventy competitors. Belgian food and 9% local beer is reason enough to make the effort to travel to Lac Eau d‘Heure let alone the friendliness of the club and the chance to sail on a wonderful stretch of water.
Next day the wind had freshened to a good force three although at the expense of the Autumn sunshine which had been a real bonus on Saturday. Competition was fierce and there was a general recall in every race.
The variable but windier conditions favoured the Fifteens and in the three races sailed back to back Tony stole the day finishing 1, 1, 2 not only over the line but also overall, a magnificent achievement which delighted Charles Bertels who should be independent as President of the Club but who is working hard to sell the Class in Belgium!! Nick Heath, in 3692, finished second to Tony in all three races and finished 6, 11, 13 overall.
Paul, unknown to him, was the subject of a protest by a German cruiser but although he was unable to defend himself as he had by the time of the hearing departed for Calais, he was cleared and his 5th race result stood. To our surprise, and despite getting a finishing gun, we had a DNC in the fourth race –definitely a case of mistaken identity but one that meant that our final position was understated by six points.
Unfortunately prize giving was delayed by five protest hearings but when it eventually took place there were prizes for all competitors, beer & Belgian chocolates, as well as trophies for Tony & Chris, one for the leading Fifteen and, coming second overall, one for the leading boat in the non Micro Cupper fleet.
Over the weekend Tony & Chris in particular certainly demonstrated the qualities of the Flying Fifteens and are confident that next year, with some stronger winds, they will be able to beat the Micro Cuppers and come 1st overall.
This event, whilst providing good &challenging handicap sailing particularly against such a mixed and unknown fleet, is also about enjoyment. We all had a really good and relaxing weekend with outstanding food, plenty of red wine and potent beer. Obviously there is the cost of getting the boat over to Belgium but the drive is easy and once there the weekend proved good value for money with the added benefit of exploring new places and competing against different types of boats.
Put the date in your diary now; all of us who went this year are planning a return trip if only for the food & beer!!
Overall Results for the Fifteens with one discard
Report from Judy Walker
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Picture by Liz Nicholls
Picture by Liz Nicholls
