Flying Fifteen National Championship at Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy - Overall

Charles and Charlie Apthorp, top family combo at the UK Global Flying Fifteen Nationals at the WPNSA © Stephen Moncur

Ben McGrane and Russ Clark win the UK Global Flying Fifteen Nationals at the WPNSA © Stephen Moncur

Sarah Hornby Art Race Day and final report

The National Championship with everything!

The final day dawned, and it was windy, a southerly with gusts of 26 - 28 knots. Many in the boat yard were wondering if the fleet would get racing and others had decided it was too windy for them and head home early.

Soon the Race Officer confirmed that the fleet would be having one race in the Harbour thanks to the Contender Fleet happy to stay ashore for us to sail our final race before they headed out to complete their three races.

A depleted fleet headed out into the harbour for a windward leeward course. The fleet got away at the first attempt under the U Flag with only one boat been identified as been over.

It was a return to the top for Andy McKee and Richard Jones, 4005, who took the final win of the event with Richard Lovering and Chris Turner, 4071, in second, Jeremy Davy and Martin Huett, 3760, in third.

There was drama further down the fleet with one boat, unusually, turning turtle but which was successfully recovered, and the crew returned to shore with smiles on their faces.

The final prize-giving was held whilst competitors enjoyed afternoon tea.

Ben McGrane and Russ Clark, 4002, were crowned National Champions having sailed a very consistent series returning to the Flying Fifteen for the first time in a while.

Ben McGrane said, "Really enjoyed returning to racing in the F15, the fleet laid on an exceptionally well planned and executed event both on and off the water with slick race management, well attended socials and regatta coaching aimed at helping everyone in attendance to improve. The racing was extremely close with plenty of opportunities to gain and lose in what is tight tactical racing, we were absolutely thrilled to come away with the win and are now looking to the Europeans next year in France and the UK hosted Worlds in 2025 as further opportunities to get out racing in this fantastic class."

Ian Cadwallader said, "At any championship there can only be one winner. But, thanks to the drive of the Flying 15 committee and the generous support of our sponsors led by UK Global, we were able to lay on a package where hopefully all competitors took something away with them. This included two evenings of meals and a prize-giving tea included with the entry, that kept the fleet together; three days of coaching with the legendary Mr Adam Bowers - focusing on improving the mid fleet sailor; Daily prize-giving's with prizes right through the fleet; and finally, free wine and beer with post-race snacks.

"As for our winners, Ben & Russ - they sailed really well and were deserving champions of a challenging week. I'm especially pleased for Ben who served a Flying 15 apprenticeship, sailing with his dad, Terry at Chew Valley 10 years ago.

"And as for future winners... well, there were two father and son combos in the top 10. So, place your bets on Charlie Apthorp or Harry Lucas for the 2034 nationals!"

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors, UK Global, Sarah Hornby Art, Salcombe Gin, Impact Marine, Goacher Sails, Allen Brothers, Hyde Sails, Ovington Boats and Pinnell and Bax.

As the championship series of 2023 has been completed we look forward to the 2024 season, which will be a World qualifying series, starting with the Southern Championships at Parkstone Yacht Club in June. We will be back at Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy for the International Flying Fifteen Association World Championships in 2025.

Overall Results:
If you finished in the top ten at the Flying Fifteen nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here