Flying Fifteens, the most fun you can have with your keel on!
This 20-foot long international sportsboat is the largest one–design keelboat class in Dublin Bay. Check out all the latest Flying Fifteen News.
What Is a Flying Fifteen?
The Flying Fifteen is a high-performance planing boat which is now one of the most popular one–design keelboat class in the world. (The "fifteen" refers to its waterline length.) It is capable of some 14 knots on a reach without the problems arising from capsize or trapeze and is easily transportable and stored. It is arguably the safest, most exciting small yacht available. Mixed crews are common.
The boat can be trailed behind a small family car and can be launched off a slip. At a glance:
The Flying Fifteen was designed in 1947 by the famous British yacht designer Uffa Fox and has since become the largest fixed-keel class in the world with over 4000 boats.
The Flying Fifteen is also the largest one–design keel boat class in Dublin Bay with regular turnouts of 18 plus boats on Thursday evenings and Saturdays.
There are 4 regional events held each year. The Regional events are held in such locations as Kinsale, Dunmore East and Westport.
The East Coast Championships are being held in Dun Laoghaire on the 5th and 6th of October 2013 with more than 40 boats expected.
All levels are catered for with prizes for winners of the gold, silver and bronze fleets.
Dun Laoghaire Fleet members have also travelled to World and European events. There is either a World or European event each year. European events have been held in such places as Majorca, La Rochelle, Lake Garda and Kinsale. World Championships have been held in UK, Dun Laoghaire, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
The Flying Fifteen was first sailed in Dun Laoghaire in 1972 and has thrived since then. Some of the sailors are second generation, with new members joining the fleet each year. The fleet recognises the importance of the social side to sailing and organises family days, fleet dinners and fun races, culminating in the annual dinner and prizegiving in November each year.
The Dun Laoghaire fleet is delighted to announce that KIA Motors has agreed to sponsor the fleet. Kia's strap line "the power to surprise " is very appropriate when describing the Flying Fifteen.
Whats Been Happening?
There is always something going on in the world of sailing, here we follow all the latest news that is going on in the sailing world of the Flying Fifteens. Check out all the latest Flying Fifteen News.
Flying Fiftteen - The History
The Flying Fifteen was originally designed by the legendary Uffa Fox, the 6m (20ft) craft has maintained its reputation as an exciting and competitive two-man racing craft. It provides access to Sailing at reasonable prices for men and women from 15 to 75 and beyond.
Irish National Flying Fifteen Champions
1974 E.Sheehy KYC
1975 J,Lowry Mrs.J.Lowry CSC
1976 N.Watson KSC
1977 E.Gilmore KSC
1978 D.Tucker KYC
1979
1980 J.McCann SLYC
1981 C.Simmonds
1982 J.Rodgers KSC
1983 J.Millar KSC
1984 P.Morrison M.Gotral
1985 A.Bax NSC
1986 R.Bannon NYC
1987 J.Millar I.Coryn "Tie"
Trophy presented by to Flying Fifteen Association by Mr & Mrs Olaf Sorenson
1988 The Real Thing G.Dunleavy D.O'Brien NYC
1989 Lethal Weapon J.Millar C.Coffey CSC
1990 Mind Over Matter G.Dunleavy M.Conway
1991 Cunning Stunt I.Claever D.Shellcock
1992 Ruffa Gruffa J.Thomson M.Brown
1993 Newform J.Millar S.Penney KSC
1994 Going Grey G.Reilly D.Morrison SSC
1995 Forrader IV B.Falet I.Coryn RN&SYC
1996 Zimner J.Rodgers S.McCarthy PSC
1997 Tender Wood B.McKee Bob Gilmore SLYC
1998 Awesome J.Lavery G.Dunleavy NYC
1999 Ffangs J.Burke A.Green NYC
2000 J.Lavery G.Dunleavy NYC
2001 G.Dunleavy D.Gorman NYC
2002 J.Burke B.Canton NYC
2003 J.Lavery D.O'Brien NYC
2004 D.Martin S.Murray SLYC
2005 M.Hart T.Hall PDSC
2006 M.Sheehy A.Green KYC
2007 D.Martin S.Murray SLYC
2008 D.Gorman C.Doorly NYC
2009
2010 D.Martin S.Murray SLYC
2011 D.Gorman C.Doorly NYC
2012 J.Lavery D.O'Brien NYC
Frequently Asked Questions about Flying Fifteens
What is the cost of a good competitive boat?
A good competitive boat costs between €5,000 and €7,000
Are older boats less competitive than new boats?
No, boats of 10 years and older regularly win events.
Where can I try a Flying Fifteen?
The fleet runs open days and opportunities to sail a Flying Fifteen. See the fleet’s website www.flyingfifteen.ie for details
Will I get support if I buy a Flying Fifteen?
Yes, the fleet provides training sessions on the water, boat tuning sessions and rules lectures.
