Flying 15 Open at Middle Nene Sailing Club
by Wilf Kunze 15 Jun 06:47 BST
11-12 June 2022
After the Corona break since 2019, Middle Nene SC in Thrapston held its Flying 15 Open Meeting on June 11th/12th as part of the Southern Traveller Series.
The seven competitors enjoyed an exhilarating series of five races, with heats 1-3 held on Saturday in lively winds, and a fair number of 30+mph gusts making the Flying 15s live up to their name. A BBQ wrapped up day one, followed by an exchange of the day’s experiences in the clubhouse bar and on the club’s own campsite.
On Sunday morning the event concluded with two races in lighter conditions. On both days the competition was very close, whilst being somewhat dominated by John Hanson/Helen Selden (4094) who secured four 1st places and overall victory. They were, however, kept under pressure by the two home teams of Neil Bartholomey/Tom Vessey (3873), with Mark Greer/Jim Reid in their Classic 2433 staying very close indeed, finishing second and third respectively with just one point between them at the end of racing.
In the short prize-giving ceremony John Hanson thanked the MNSC volunteers for all their input to make the Open such a success. MNSC Commodore and Race Officer Tony Wright presented the trophies and the Regatta Tiller Award (first Gold boat) to John and Helen. The coveted Maxwell Trophy was awarded to Mark and Jim for the fastest Classic boat in the event.
The next Flying 15 Open Meeting at Middle Nene SC is planned for June 2023, and details will be announced in good time before the event.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Boat Name | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | PY | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | Pts |
|---|
| 1st | SNAFFU | 4094 | John Hanson | Helen Selden | Datchet SC | 1015 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ‑2 | 4 |
| 2nd | Cavalier | 3873 | Neil Bartholomey | Tom Vessey | MNSC | 1015 | 3 | ‑4 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 9 |
| 3rd | Hens Tooff | 2433 | Mark Greer | Jim Reid | MNSC | 1041 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | ‑5 | 10 |
| 4th | Ffrohlich | 2700 | Matt Yallop | Simon Shaw | MNSC | 1041 | 4 | 3 | 3 | ‑5 | 4 | 14 |
| 5th | Mandolin Wind | 3428 | Graham Lamond | Peter Comber | Ripon SC/Broxbourne SC | 1015 | 5.5 | (RET) | DNS | 4 | 3 | 20.5 |
| 6th | | 2468 | Roo Jarvis | Julie West | | 1041 | ‑7 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 22 |
| 7th | Nelly The Elephant | 3707 | Brian Turner | Jackie Barns | Broxbourne SC | 1015 | 5.5 | 6 | (DNS) | 7 | 7 | 25.5 |