Flying Fifteen 60th Anniversary Open at Royal Windermere Yacht Club

Graham Lamond's beautiful Chippendale hull (617) during the RWYC Flying Fifteen 60th Anniversary Open © Graham Lamond

RWYC Flying Fifteen 60th Anniversary Open © RWYC

The 60th anniversary of the Flying Fifteen Class was celebrated at the RWYC Lakeland Grand Prix Open meeting on 15 -16 April. A total of 29 boats had entered for the event including a record number of starters from the home club.

Rather fittingly, Boat no 617, a beautiful Chippendale hull, owned by Graham Lamond, from Ripon SC, was taking part. This was one of the first Flying Fifteens at Royal Windermere in 1963 and was named Nancy L, after the then owners wife, Tony Longworth. Graham purchased the boat in 1996, restored and re fitted her, and he is a frequent visitor to RWYC events. The boat is a credit to him.

Saturday dawned bright, but not breezy. A flat calm lake greeted many of the early visitors, but the afternoon forecast was promising. By the time the boats launched in time for a 1300 start the wind had filled in from the South to a very pleasant force 2-3 with bright sunshine all afternoon.

Three races were sailed back-to-back. Four times world champion and RWYC member Steve Goacher/Tim Harper, won the first two races, hotly pursued by Shane McCarthy/Dave Lucas from Greysones SC. In the final Saturday race, sailed in a dying breeze, McCarthy took the win from Goacher, with Blackpool paring David Wilkinson and Chris Robinson third.

Saturday evening saw the fleet retire to the bar, to enjoy a wonderful 4 course bowl food meal prepared by Julian Ankers, the award-winning Cumbrian Chef, whilst discussing and dissecting the days racing. A raffle followed, with prizes generously donated by our sponsors, including a Jib donated by our main sponsors Goacher Sails. Our other raffle sponsors providing prizes were Impact Marine, Windermere Lake Cruises, Ovington Boats and Phil Evans Sailing services.

Grey skies and no wind greeted the competitors on Sunday Morning. The 1025 warning signal was postponed, and the fleet eventually started at 1125 in a light South Westerly breeze for the first of 2 races. Goacher /Harper took the gun in race 4, hotly pursued by Andy Tunnicliffe/Ian Hopwood from Bassenthwaite SC, and it was these two who maintained their from the take the win in the final race followed by Andrew and Peter Smith from RWYC.

Vouchers for the prize-winners were kindly donated by Maiden Marine. All in all, a great weekend of sailing and celebration. It's a great place to come!

RWYC Flying Fifteen 60th Anniversary Open - photo © RWYC

Overall Results: