Redefining speed in the Flying Fifteen
by Hyde Sails 14 Jan 2013 19:18 GMT
14 January 2013
Hyde has been developing the Flying 15's sails © Hyde Sails
Hyde has been developing the Flying 15's sails
Richard Lovering talked us through the changes and his forthcoming campaign
Hyde Sails is well known for its development work in a range of classes, and one example is in the Flying 15 Class where sail designer Richard Lovering has been working hard on the latest iterations of 15 sails.
The key sails he has been working on most recently have been a new jib for all crew weights, and a new mainsail for crews over 30 stone. He explained: "Basically we have rounded up the front of the 2A Jib and made it deeper, which gives it more drive in the chop." The latest developments widen Hyde's range of sails, catering for the full range of sailors. "The latest 3A Mainsail, which is deeper in the bottom half, works very well with the new 2A Jib," he adds. Richard and his crew will be sailing at around 27 stone, so they will be using the Hyde mainsail designed for lighter crews (2A) together with the 2A jib and 2F Spinnaker.
Racing in the class in 2013
Richard is teaming up with Matt Alvarado for the 2013 season. The pair have bought a good secondhand boat, so he'll be a familiar face around the dinghy park at a range of Flying 15 events as the pair build up to the Nationals in July at Weymouth.
Richard explains the 15's attraction: "My dad used to have one when I was a kid,.. I really enjoy sailing the boat, it's a beautiful boat to drive. I'd finished sailing Moths – I'd got a bit heavy and it was getting too expensive. The Flying 15 looked like a great challenge and great class to be involved in."
Watch out for Richard at Flying 15 events all season, where he will be happy to talk through and advise on sail set-up and your sail requirements. Contact him on or +44 (0)7802 315903. Alternatively get in touch now for some great deals on new sails.
New Year Offers
With the sailing season just around the corner, we have some very special offers to start the year, for a limited period only! Please contact us for a quote. Alternatively, call 02030 090 447.