Flying Fifteen and Soling South African National Championships 2026 at Midmar Dam - Preview
by Sophie Thompson 11 Nov 23:32 GMT
14-15 November 2026
A flurry of Flying Fifteens, gliding down to the bottom mark during a harbour event recently © Sophie Thompson
Two classes of one-design boats head to Midmar Dam to compete in their Nationals, hosted by Henley Midmar Yacht Club this weekend from 14 - 15 November.
Some big names will be lining up in the small fleets of Flying Fifteens and Solings that will be launching in what is predicted to be a 'wet and mild' weekend at the dam. Celebrating 55 years since the first Soling Nationals was sailed in South Africa, four resident crafts will be competing. The first Soling Nationals was sailed in 1971 at Midmar Dam, with Wilfred Hancock claiming victory on Solenta.
Lining up at the start this year, Qui returns as the boat to beat, earning the last two Nationals titles in 2022 and 2024 with skipper John Watt; 2026 she is being sailed by new owner Paul Cooke with his son, Michael and Tony Cockerill on the helm. Contenders, brothers Matt and CJ Depsy sailing with Dylan Jenkins driving on Solitude. Gregg Dobson and crew will be charging on Scaramouche while a stealthy, local team will be taking out Highlander in the hopes of claiming a podium place.
The versatile Despy brothers are the reigning provincial champions in the class, 'We last sailed our Soling at the opening cruise up at Midmar last month. We were hoping to get in some training ahead of this event with Dylan, but the weather changed that. Matt, Dylan and I have done plenty of big boat sailing together - MSCs, Tuzi and Vascos - but not a lot of small boat racing so should be fun adjusting!' shared CJ.
Ten Flying Fifteens have confirmed their entries, with the race for this year's title wide open. Hoping to regain their domination, Patrick Harris and Jeremy Kriek are on the hunt for their 14th National title. The Harris / Kriek combo has been making waves at the front of the fleet for 25 years, etching out their first National victory in 2002. Brothers, Thomas and Peter Funke, renowned for the 505 successes, will be keen to earn their second Flying Fifteen title, having just been crowned again at the 505 Nationals six weeks ago, shortly after competing in the 505 Worlds at Hayling Island.
Getting some training in ahead of the Nationals, Campbell Alexander has been sneaking down as often as possible in Durban, recently competing in an offshore keeler event sailing over the horizon and back, in a building south wester with gusts registering in the high 20s. Alexander, who regularly participates in international events, has had a quiet year opting to rather compete on his beloved home waters rather than the bigger events overseas. He will be joining forces with his regular local crew, Debbie Cox hoping to better their third place from last year's Nationals.
Half of the Flying Fifteen fleet will have a lady crew with most of them working hard at the front end of the boat. Estelle Buys has crewed for sixteen years with Myles White and has earned a variety of titles over the years as the leading lady and podium finishes. Joining Cox and Buys as crew is Farrell McMillan sailing with husband, Anthony. Well respected keeler sailor, Nicolene Henkeman will be joining forces with her partner, Bryce Bower.
This is Henkeman's second time steering a Flying Fifteen, the first at last year's annual, action packed, fun 9 Hour. ILCA sailor, Penny Macpherson will be trading her trusty Laser tiller to take the reins helming a Flying Fifteen. Sailing with her husband Grant, the couple will be tackling their first Flying Fifteen Nationals together, both sailing a Flying Fifteen for the first time.
Keeping a watchful eye on the wind, the trimmers and tacticians will have a challenging time having their work cut out for them on Saturday, eking out whatever boat speed they can in the light breeze forecast for the Midlands. Sunday, the breeze is expected to fill in.
The classic classes of Flying Fifteens and Solings will be descending on the picturesque setting Midmar Dam to bash it out for their Nationals this weekend.
For more info, you can visit www.revolutionise.com.au/saflyingfifteen