Excitement is building for the first regional event of the season for the ever popular Flying Fifteen class. With good numbers turning out at club level in Dublin and Strangford Lough in particular they now take to the road and head to Ballyhome Yacht Club on the south shore of Belfast Lough. It is the class’s first visit in a long time to the club that had a thriving Fifteen fleet in days gone by. A strong fleet is expected in what is the also the first qualifying event for next year’s World Championships which take place at the NYC in Dublin.
As usual in this fleet it is very hard to call the winner as the racing is always close and exciting and any of a number of boats could win. Last yea’rs winner Brian McKee & Ian Smyth (SLYC) hope to regain the trophy but there are a number of boats who will be looking to challenge. Willis & McPeake (CAYC) along with Andy & Rory Martin (SLSC) hope to carry last years excellent sailing through to this year’s events. Others hoping to go well are Andy McCleery & Colin Dougan (KYC), and the National Yacht Clubs Mathews & Poole and Gorman & Doorly amongst others.
Sponsorship is kindly provided by Bryan Willis Paints and Bosun Bobs Marine and Boat Specialists in Bangor.
