Flying Fifteen open meeting at Dovestone Sailing Club

Flying Fifteen open meeting at Dovestone © Sam Allen

Surrounded by the stunning Pennine hills boats gathered for the annual Dovestone Flying Fifteen open meeting. On Saturday, using the fleet PY handicaps, three races were sailed back-to-back.

The rain came down, there was thunder and the wind was generally quite strong at around F4 gusting at times. Using the full length of the reservoir this produced great sailing including an exhilarating two sail fetch and fast deep spinnaker runs.

Flying Fifteen open meeting at Dovestone - photo © Sam Allen

The 4065 team of David McKee & Mal Hartland had a good day recording three bullets. They were followed by 4150 Andrew McKee & Ben Thackray with two seconds and a third. In race two the beautiful wooden classic GILMAC 485 of Graham Sharp & Ralph Smith had an outstanding race with a second place.

In the third race there was a strong performance from Alex Beach & Mike Hale, first timers in a Flying Fifteen sailing the club's 2804 who scored a fourth place. 3805 Graham Massey & Martin Brennan came third in the first race.

Flying Fifteen open meeting at Dovestone - photo © Sam Allen

Whilst the racing had been great, it had been a cold day on the water and crews were pleased to pack up and soak in the steamy showers to recuperate for the evening social. This included a fine pie supper, and entertainment was provided by the "Ship to Shore shanty singers".

Sunday's weather was much brighter with blue skies and sunshine, although the F3 breeze still had a chill to it. Two races were sailed back-to-back. At the front David & Mal shared a first and second with Andrew & Ben.

Flying Fifteen open meeting at Dovestone - photo © Sam Allen

In race four, the new 'home team' of Ian Lees and Dave Hill in 3626 found their mojo with a third place. Graham & Ralph in 485 were placed third in the last race to complete a good overall score for the event. One of the most consistent crew was 3784 Nick & Claire Taylor who counted a third and four fourths for a third place in the event.

Overall, the sailing was great, the company was good and the event a great success. Thanks were given to the guests that travelled from as far away as the NW coast of Scotland and Nottingham.

(L-R) Overall winners, Mal Hartland and David McKee, with Mick Scholes - Flying Fifteen open meeting at Dovestone - photo © Sam Allen

Overall Results:

Flying Fifteen open meeting at Dovestone - photo © Sam Allen

Flying Fifteen open meeting at Dovestone - photo © Sam Allen