Flying Fifteen

The Flying 15 is a 20 foot (6 metre) keelboat developed over 50 years ago by the legendary Uffa Fox. Whilst it remains a one-design class, room has always been made for the latest developments in sailing technology so it remains an exciting and competitive class in which to compete.

With over 50 years worth of yachts in the fleet there are plenty of boats available to suit any depth of pocket. Obviously with improvements in build quality and design there is some difference in the performance between new and old boats so the fleet is split into Classic,Silver and Gold fleets with their individual PN numbers. However dont be fooled as many older classics remain competitive and often beat much newer boats. South Cerney Sailing Club caters for both Classic and Silver fleet boats, and the two series of class races are well supported, as are some of the handicap series including the Hot Dog series run on Wednesday evenings in the summer.

The Flying 15 is unique amongst the other boats sailed at the club due to its keel and large sail area. The crane facilities for launching and recovering mean you can reasonably expect to go sailing without even getting your feet wet, but on a windy day, with a total of 300 ft² (28 m²) of sail a Flying 15 will plane (with spray going absolutely everywhere) proving that it is a fast boat, and it is not unknown for a 15 to capsize guaranteeing you some exciting sailing.

The Flying 15 class is an active class with many open meetings. South Cerney Sailing Club makes a good base to hone your skills at, so that you can enter open meetings and large events such as Skandia Cowes Week, Poole Week or Falmouth Week if you feel like the occasional bit of coastal sailing.

Vital statistics 

Length                                     6.1 m              20 ft

Beam                                      1.52 m              5 ft

Minimum weight (inc keel)      307 kg          677 lb

Sail area (main & genoa)        13.94 m²       150 ft²

Sail area (spinnaker)               13.94 m²       150 ft²

Links

British Isles Flying Fifteen Association : http://www.flying15.org/gbr

Flying Fifteen International                   : http://www.flying15.org

Contact details

The South Cerney Sailing Club Flying 15 Class Captain is

Tony Oatley
01453 836576
tony.oatley@baesystems.com