Flying Fifteen UK National Championship 2026 at Tees and Hartlepool Yacht Club - Overall

Competitors at the 2026 UK Flying Fifteen National Championship woke to clear, sunny skies on the final morning — though some may have wished for a little more sleep after an evening of live music at Tees & Hartlepool YC and a late night screening of the England-Norway World Cup match.

After several days of light and occasionally capricious breezes, the forecast promised a more purposeful wind. It was noticeable that the shorty wetsuits and T shirts that had been de rigueur earlier in the week had given way to long johns and, for some, full drysuits. With a short delay ashore to allow the tide to settle, the fleet headed out into a race area transformed by a fresh north easterly rolling a moderate swell in from the North Sea.

The race team once again delivered an efficient start sequence, and the fleet once again responded with a general recall — prompting the use of the black flag for the remainder of the day. Once under way, Race 1 quickly revealed a clear pattern: almost all of the leading contenders committed to the right hand side of the beat, where they found both pressure and a favourable angle, opening a substantial margin over those who had gone left. The fleet stretched out more than on previous days, reflecting both the conditions and the tactical clarity of the front runners.

Downwind, the course rewarded those who committed early to a long starboard gybe, with just enough swell to allow occasional surfing or soaking. It was a leg that showcased crew skill, and at the front it was the regatta leaders — Ian Cadwallader & Steve Graham — who executed it best, taking the win ahead of Andy & Michelle Tunnicliffe, with the Irish pairing of Niall O'Brien & Dermot Flaherty in third.

Day 4 of the Flying Fifteen National Championship at Tees & Hartlepool YC - photo © Philip Hope / T&HYC

Final Race

The final race of the championship was sailed in conditions very similar to the previous one, but with a fleet now fully tuned into the racecourse and pushing hard for every point. The result was exceptionally close, high quality racing in which even small tactical decisions carried real consequences — whether fighting the tide at the windward mark or judging the final reach to the finish, which was just tight enough to make spinnaker handling a genuine question.

In a race that demanded composure, precision and teamwork, Jeremy Davy & Martin Huett mastered the challenge to take a well earned win, followed by Steve Goacher & Tim Harper, who bounced back strongly after a difficult first race. Andy & Michelle Tunnicliffe continued their impressive upward trajectory, securing third and cementing their rise up the overall leaderboard.

Day 4 of the Flying Fifteen National Championship at Tees & Hartlepool YC - photo © Philip Hope / T&HYC

Overall Results

At the head of the final standings — and crowned 2026 Flying Fifteen National Champions — were Ian Cadwallader & Steve Graham of Chew Valley SC, finishing with a ten point margin. Their achievement was all the more remarkable given that their boat was fresh out of the build shed and had never touched the water before this event.

In second place was 4-time World Champion Steve Goacher & Tim Harper of Royal Windermere YC. With decades of top level Flying Fifteen experience between them, their return to the front of the fleet after a short break was warmly welcomed. They were racing in a notably strong field, with former champions and long standing campaigners — a depth of talent that made consistency hard won. Against such competition, their steady performance across the week secured a thoroughly deserved second place overall.

Finishing third overall were Andy & Michelle Tunnicliffe of Bassenthwaite SC. Andy is now establishing himself in the class, but this was Michelle's first major Flying Fifteen regatta — a milestone performance securing the Family Prize and the Dimple Trophy for Michelle

Day 4 of the Flying Fifteen National Championship at Tees & Hartlepool YC - photo © Philip Hope / T&HYC

Acknowledgement of Sponsors

The Flying Fifteen class extends its sincere thanks to our title sponsor Haven Knox Johnston, whose support as the class insurer continues to strengthen and sustain our championship programme. We also warmly acknowledge Ovington Boats for their long standing commitment to high quality boatbuilding within the class, and Impact Marine for their valued technical and event support. Their combined contribution plays a significant role in enabling a vibrant, competitive and welcoming national championship.

Closing Thanks

Finally, our heartfelt thanks go to Tees & Hartlepool Yacht Club for hosting the event with such professionalism and warmth. The club's volunteers worked tirelessly to make competitors feel welcome and to ensure the racing ran smoothly throughout the week. The Flying Fifteen fleet thoroughly enjoyed its time in Hartlepool and will certainly be back for more of your hospitality — and we strongly recommend THYC to any class seeking a tidal championship venue in the North East. Thank you.

Day 4 of the Flying Fifteen National Championship at Tees & Hartlepool YC - photo © Philip Hope / T&HYC

Overall Results:
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