Flying Fifteen 75th Anniversary Race sailed at Cowes, UK

The Flying Fifteen International 75th Anniversary Race took place as a separate event during the class European Championship hosted by Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club around the cans of the Solent.

40 Flying Fifteens from 6 countries sailed out to the start line on another warm and humid semi-overcast day in Cowes with a gentle 8 - 12 knot breeze wafting up the Solent from a S/SW direction.

Flying Fifteen 75th Anniversary Race - photo © Jonny Fullerton

The Race Committee set a 6.6 nautical mile course with a start under cannon fire from the Royal Yacht Squadron. There was a quick sprint upwind to the Gurnard Cardinal and a packed rounding before a long downwind leg to Prince Consort off Cowes Harbour entrance.

The fleet split into two halves some opting for the offshore route and the others trying to keep out of the tide along the shore. It turned out that the offshore boats found a bit more wind pressure. Another short leg under spinnakers to South Bramble. By now the fleet was quite spread out for a long run to Ancasta off East Cowes. The final leg was a beat back up to a finish line of the Royal Yacht Squadron.

Flying Fifteen 75th Anniversary Race - photo © Jonny Fullerton

Terry Shutcher and Chris Hewkin (Burton/Shotley/Dubai Offshore SC) took the Royal Yacht Squadron gun winning the race by about 10 boat lengths from John Hansen and Helen Selden (Datchet SC) in second. The final gun went to Charles and Charlie Apthorp (Cowes Corinthian YC).

Racing was followed by a rather splendid Reception at the Commodores House, home of the late, great Uffa Fox, designer of the class 75 years ago.

Overall Results:

www.ff75.org

NB: The 75th Anniversary Race is not part of the F15 European Championship Series