Flying Fifteen Northern Championship at Bassenthwaite Sailing Club

Flying Fifteen Northern Championship at Bassenthwaite © William Carruthers

Steve Goacher - Tim Haper win the Flying Fifteen Northern Championship at Bassenthwaite © William Carruthers

The new Ginger Boats FF15 takes fourth place in the Flying Fifteen Northern Championship at Bassenthwaite © William Carruthers

A bumper fleet of 23 Flying Fifteens, the biggest turn out for some time, met on the shores of Costa Del Bassenthwaite for the 2021 Northern Championship. Those who've enjoyed the Bassenthwaite sea breeze before were confident a westerly gradient breeze would result in conditions better than the mid-week forecast of 4mph.

The foreshore was a hive of activity, busy with friends catching up and sharing lockdown tales, whilst others were resuscitating old borrowed FF15s!

Race one started with a tight start line and an eager fleet. A long beat to the clubhouse shore kept the spectators interested. At times the oscillating westerly breeze built to a sunny force three. The first beat seemed to set the tone for the four leaders, none of which changed position, despite various challenges, so the win went to Andy McKee & Rich Jones from Dovestone. Steve Goacher & Tim Harper from RWYC were a close second, and Nigel and Gavin Tullett (also from RWYC) in third. Best Bass boat was sailed by Graham Kirkpatrick & Alan Smith who finished fourth.?

Race two was a little chaotic, with two general recalls and a blag flag start. Eventually getting away cleanly, Andy McKee & Rich Jones led the fleet with Steve Goacher & Tim Harper only a boat length behind. In the middle of the pack it was bedlam. Busy leeward mark roundings offered a snakes and ladders situation. Those with patience applied the brakes and gained many a place by rounding inside the pack.

It was all getting a bit hot and a break was needed. Steve Goacher & Tim Harper finished first, pipping Andy McKee & Rich Jones on the finish line. This time it was Neil Currie & Rory Yardley that led the Bass fleet, finishing third.

The fleet enjoyed a water stop, quick swim, and sun cream top-up, before heading out for race 3. The sea breeze was now pushing the gradient breeze along, with some planning reaches in the gusts and toe straps required upwind.

Nigel & Gavin Tullett from RWYC found their way to the front and held onto various challengers, including a very close one on the finish line with Mike Preston & Chris Robinson from BFYC. Paul Allen & Andrea Preston finished third and first Bass boat.

So, with no discards, overnight lead was held by Steve & Tim, with Andy & Rich second. Andy Smith & Andy Tunicliffe were best Bass boat in fourth, sailing consistently in the new Ginger Boats FF15.

Bassenthwaite's unique setting offered fine camping for visitors and members, with the clear skies offering sights of the International Space Station and a meteor shower for those awake or still capable of seeing that far.

Flying Fifteen Northern Championship at Bassenthwaite - photo © William Carruthers

More of the same for day two: clear skies, wall-to-wall sunshine and a westerly force 2-3. An extra-long start line offered plenty of space for those still waking up.

In race four Steve Goacher & Tim Harper broke through to the lead and showed a clean pair of heals to Neil Currie & Rory Yardley, strengthening his lead in the series. With main competitor Andy McKee finishing fourth, Steve needed to finish in the top three to be assured of the championship. Andy Smith & Andy Tunicliffe started their challenge on the overall top three counting a consecutive third.

Competition was close throughout the fleet, with tight mark roundings keeping everyone sweltering under the collar.

Flying Fifteen Northern Championship at Bassenthwaite - photo © William Carruthers

The final race started in the best breeze of the weekend. A tightly-packed committee boat end saw Andy McKee & Rich Jones lead from the middle of the pack. They held on to first, doing everything they could for the overall win, but it wasn't enough for the overall championship with Steve Goacher & Tim Harper a close second and Andy Smith & Andy Tunicliffe third.

Graham Kirkpatrick and Alan Smith finished first Silver fleet in twelfth overall. Overall Steve Goacher & Tim Harper finished first on six points. Andy McKee & Rich Jones from Dovestone were second on eight points and Nigel & Gavin Tullett from RWYC third counting thirteen points.

Steve Goacher thanked Bassenthwaite for hosting a safe, fun and competitive event.

Flying Fifteen Northern Championship at Bassenthwaite - photo © William Carruthers

Overall Results:

Flying Fifteen Northern Championship at Bassenthwaite - photo © William Carruthers