Flying Fifteen Open at Draycote Water Sailing Club

1st & 2nd July 2000

Rupert Mander, guest race officer, shaded his eyes and peered over the glasslike surface of Draycote Water, anxiously searching for some indication of wind, consistent enough to set a course. At last his patience was rewarded as 23 boats crossed the start line.

The newly qualifying Silver fleet boats 3083 (Brian Glover and Bill Bennett), 3142 (Brian Tavender and Amos Bennett) and 3179 (Jeff Wilkins and Angie Nichols) showed the rest of the fleet the way home in very fickle conditions. The second race on Saturday saw a complete change with the second oldest boat on the pond leading the way. 617 Fettercairn did of course have the advantage of earlier experience. Graham Lamond and Scott Train from Bala took the old boat prize at Draycote's open in April in 2744 the Business. It clearly pays to practice. Brian Tavender brought Fly Catcher in 2nd and John Hanson and John Fisher came third in 3026 Raffles II, Ron and Beth Hanson's old boat, a welcome return to Draycote.

On Saturday evening we were pleased to welcome Chris Hough, President of the British Isles Flying Fifteen Association. Chris chaired the first meeting of the association's classic subcommittee. Dave Ramsden, Geoff Town and David Stuart have agreed to serve on the subcommittee. Most of the fleet then dined in the newly decorated club house. Mick and Debbie did us proud with an excellent roast pork dinner.

The following day saw even less wind with the fleet drifting waiting for any development in the weather pattern. When it came it came with a vengeance. A hastily organised down wind start took advantage of the winds accompanying a very heavy rain storm. The squalls were impressive and the sight of the fleet floating on a sheet of bouncing raindrops was weird. But the winds went almost as quickly as they had come leaving Raffles II to emerge as the leader with Instant Rinse (3083) second and David and Carole Duke came in 3rd in 2646, Hair Restorrar from Grafham.

Overall Results:

Silver Fleet  1st: 3083 Instant Rinse       Brian Glover / Bill Bennett
              2nd: 3026 Raffles II          John Hanson / John Fisher
              3rd: 3142 Flycatcher          Brian Tavender / Amos Bennett
Classic Fleet 1st: 2646 Hair Restorrar      David Duke / Carole Duke
              2nd: 2213 Coffer Bottom       Roger Finch / Jim Ried
              3rd: 2645 Fflisk              Mike Jones / Adrian Perriam
Vintage Fleet 1st: 617  Fettercairn         Graham Lamond / Scott Train
              2nd: 598  Fflare              Geoff Town / Hazel Town
              3rd: 1811 Catherine the Great Brian Turner / Steve Cragg

Stan Air Trophy awarded for first race Sunday                          Raffles II
Special Prize donated by Hanson Aggregates awarded to the leading lady Carole Duke
Spirit of Sailing Trophy awarded to the leading wooden boat        617 Fettercairn

More Information:

• YachtsandYachting.com Flying Fifteen Page
• UK Flying Fifteen Class
• Draycote Water Sailing Club