Flying Fifteen European Championship at Medemblik, Holland

Flying Fifteen Europeans prize winners with their medals and Dutch cheeses © Flying Fifteen class

A smaller than usual fleet of 22 Flying Fifteens arrived at the excellent regatta centre in Medemblik on the shores of the famous IJsselmeer. Despite the numbers, 5 nations were represented and the quality of the fleet was outstanding with no less than 5 world championship winners or runners up present together with a plethora of ex National and European champions and not just from the Flying 15 class.

Over the course of the week competitors enjoyed a full range of wind and choppy wave conditions which were managed brilliantly by John Borsboom and his excellent race team from the KZ & RV Hollandia Yacht Club.

Once again the Flying 15 proved its wonderful racing pedigree across the range of conditions with every race being incredibly close, tense and cut throat. One missed wind shift would cost many places and there were plenty of wind shifts!

In the end, Steve Goacher and Tim Harper showed the most consistency and never posted a result out the top 5 in any of the ten races sailed and were deservedly crowned 2016 European Champions.

They were pushed hard by defending champions Greg Wells and Richard Rigg but "The Goach" and Tim were just too good and never faltered. In third place overall were the recently crowned UK national champions Jeremy Davy and Martin Huett.

A memorable week and a terrific season of major events for the ever young Flying 15 class.

Overall Results: