Flying Fifteen 2013 Southern Travellers' Series Round Up

2013 Southern Flying Fifteen Travellers' Series classic category winners, John Craddock and Paul Kendall © Paul Kimmens

2013 Southern Flying Fifteen Travellers' Series silver category winners, Tony Oatley and Tim Greaves © Paul Kimmens

Over the four events of the series held at Llangorse, South Cerney, Broxbourne and Middle Nene there were a total of 39 teams competing from 7 clubs with 8 qualifiers for the overall results.

The Classic Fleet with 22 entries and 6 qualifiers had the strongest support with 2695 John Craddock and Paul Kendall (Llangorse) taking a firm grip at the top followed by 2606 Bob Tait and Mick Musgrove (Broxbourne) in 2nd, but there was a big shuffle for 3rd at the final event with 2700 Neil Bartholomey and Emma Brown (Middle Nene) coming through strongly.

In the Silver Fleet attracting 9 entries and 2 qualifiers there was a very close result with 3374 Tony Oatley and Tim Greaves overhauling 3288 Alex and Mike Tatlow after the third event.

The Open Fleet had 8 entries from 3 Clubs but, disappointingly, none of the teams qualified for the overall results.

Everyone who sailed in the Series was full of praise for the organisation, enthusiasm and hospitality shown by the Host Clubs – the evening Dinner and social afterwards at Middle Nene is firmly established as the bench mark for future years!

Plans are already being made for next year with a special focus on how to attract more Open Fleet Teams to join in the series and experience the pleasure and benefits of honing their sailing skills against new competition on different waters.

Any suggestions or ideas on how to get even more "keels onto wheels" to take part in STS 2014 would be welcomed!

Finally, many thanks to all those who took part this year, both on the water either in the Race Management Teams or as Competitors and on shore as essential support for the whole STS Series, without you we wouldn't have a Southern Traveller Series!

Overall Results: (best two event results to count)