It's been around for more than 50 years but enthusiasim for sailing's Flying 15 keelboat continues to grow. This weekend will see the start of two weeks of intense competition with the British National and the 18th running of the World Championship titles taking place. Over 100 of the Uffa Fox designed two-man keelboat will take to the waters of the Solent from the Hayling Island SC, with boats of over 40 years old competing with new boats launched for this event.
Six Irish boats are entered with the National Yacht Club represented by three boats. Dun Laoghaire's Alan Green crewing for top British sailor Charles Apthorp are listed as front runners for the worlds title. Northern Ireland's Brian McKeen and Ian Smyth represent Strangford Lough Yacht Club. Irish class president Ben Mulligan is sailing with Jay Bourke. John Lavery and David O'Brien of the National Yacht Club and David Mulvin and Ronan Beirne are also sailing. Full entry list here.
A long time favourite in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Hong Kong, the class has seen recent growth in Europe and this year's World Championship includes competitors from Ireland, France, Belgium and Spain. The British Nationals will form the Pre-event for the Worlds and provide a last chance to qualify, which will add an extra edge to the National Championship.
The qualifying events in the UK have seen a variety of winners including Russell Peters and Tim Hall, recent Southern championship winner, Charles Apthorp sailing with Dun Laoghaire's Alan Green. And finding a lot of speed lately at HISC, Mike McIntyre and his daughter Gemma. Multi world and national champions, Steve Goacher and Phil Evans are never far from the front when it comes to the big occasion and topped the UK qualifying.
Names to look for from the large Australian entry include defending World Champions Grant Alderson and Dean Mcaullay, and David Tucker and Matt Summers (7th 2009). From New Zealand Murrey Gilbert and Jon Burgess are in form and the Irish crews could spring an upset on the established order.
With what the Met Office describes as an unseasonably deep low affecting the UK, weather for the early part of the Nationals is expected to be rain showers with winds building to force 6 to 8 for the opening races on Sunday. The strong wind is expected to ease from Monday. The Nationals complete on Wednesday 20 July, there is a lay day on Thursday, then the Worlds start on Friday 22 July through to Thursday 28 July.
