2022 is a bumper year for the Flying Fifteen class at Cowes

The Flying Fifteen class prototype 'My Dainty Duck' was built in 1948 © Uffa Fox

Uffa Fox relaxes © Flying Fifteen class

The International Flying Fifteen 75th Anniversary Regatta, incorporating the 2022 European Championship and 75th Anniversary Race, will be hosted by Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club from 20 to 26 August 2022.

Over the week before from 18 to 22 August, there will be an Open Regatta weekend and series of shore-based events celebrating the life and work of Uffa Fox. The event is called Uffa Fox 2022.

Uffa designed the Flying Fifteen in late 1947. There are several stories on how it came about from a eureka moment in the bath to the workforce stretching out an International 14 mould in the workshop!

However it evolved, in 1948 he built his prototype 'My Dainty Duck' and took her around the country to promote the design and by 1949 there were enough boats to hold the first National Championship at Cowes where 13 boats competed. The regatta was won by Squadron Leader Nance in boat number 6 'Neesa'.

1949 was a significant year for the class as Uffa persuaded the people of Cowes to fund the building of probably the most famous Flying Fifteen 'Coweslip' as a wedding gift for the Queen and Prince Philip. Uffa sailed with Prince Philip in Cowes Week in the Flying Fifteen class until the late 1960's.

Uffa Fox designed boats will be hosted and organised by the Royal London Yacht Club. The event is very much about having fun and celebrating Uffa Fox and his designs.

The sailing will be at the heart of the event which will also include static displays for historic boats. The Classic Boat Museum will host receptions and talks in their buildings which include a large Uffa Fox Collection.

Uffa Fox designs include: National 12, International 14, North Norfolk 16, National 18, Firefly, Pegasus, Jollyboat, Albacore, Redwing, Daysailer, Flying 15, Other Racing Keelboats, Duckling, Fox Cub 18 and Atalanta.

There is only one criterium for entry and participation and that is that boats must have been designed solely by Uffa Fox.

For more info on the Flying Fifteen 2022 European championship visit: www.ff75.org

For more info on the 50th anniversary of the death of Uffa Fox, and the event Uffa Fox 2022, visit: uffafox2022.org

Flying Fifteen racing at Cowes - photo © Hamo Thornycroft / www.yacht-photos.co.uk