Flying Fifteen open meeting at Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Burnham

Flying Fifteen open meeting at Royal Corinthian © Roger Mant Photography

The Burnham Flying Fifteen Open (24th & 25th September 2022) really began on the Friday evening when many of the boats arrived for supper at the Club. Many not having sailed at Burnham since their Cadet days, they came from all over the country, Bristol, Hayling Island, Northampton, and a fantastic 'mini fleet' from Aldeburgh too.

Saturday began when the complimentary bacon rolls and coffee appeared up at the marina for the sailors who were rigging their boats. It had been decided early on that the series was going to be no discard event, with river courses for the first day and windward-leewards for day two.

First mark of the day was to Rubber Ball, if only the visitors could see it as they fetched down there, with the final run back up the roach allowing for a touch of classic river tidal sail, setting the scene for the rest of the day, Justin took advantage on this last leg to take a flyer off to the Foulness side and jump from 5th to 2nd. 1st was Ian Pinnell and Ian Cadwaller indicating that their form was still good having recently come 2nd in the ff Europeans.

Race 2 was again Ian and Ian with Chris Waples and Simon Hunt in second.

Race 3 was around the river then a race back from Holiwell in a strengthening breeze, so a total blast was had, and everyone loved the challenge of the three-sail reach with most holding their kites until Horse Shoal, a North to South Shore spilt then appeared, a match race then commenced between Paul Busby and Chris Waples taking them all over the North Shore around various mooring and moored boats which allowed the boats behind to catch up in the now dying breeze.

With the finish line set just past the marina, a couple of boats dropped to the South Shore, who would win, well it was close, the South Shore gained but not enough to gain any places!

A couple of stiff cocktails chez Justin's caravan (the general comment concurred that Justin's cocktail making abilities need refining, although no-one declined the 2nd glass!)

Chef Simon had prepared a chicken pie to die for, and that together with the 9 Litre bottle of a delicious South African (a Salmanazar) supplied by Waples Wines kept the fleet all amused for all of the main course at least.

Sunday's racing was up around Cliff Reach, three fast and furious races, again proved that Pinnell and Cadwaller were the masters and won every race. There were plenty of tight and interesting mark roundings, and tight finishes were had, meaning that no-one left short changed on opportunities.

A always a huge thank you to Team Phoebe for providing an excellent race Committee and the mark layer RIB, without their help it really can't happen.

Overall first was Ian Pinnell and Ian Cadwaller, with brothers Chris Waples and Justin taking second and third, crewed by Simon Hunt and Jackie Mckellar.

In fact every boat won an prize, as we all know it's the taking part that counts in a ff, so a huge thank you to Allen Brothers or their exceptionally generous sponsorship, allowing Emma Sparks to be awarded the Youth prize, and Ret Mathieson winning her first Open Meeting ever entered prize.

Overall Results: