A 'Plus' Year Ahead for the Flying Fifteen Class
by UK Flying Fifteen Association 21 Feb 00:32 PST
Poole Week 2025 Day 6 © David Harding /
www.sailingscenes.com
A special emphasis in 2026 on regular club sailors and newcomers to the class
The RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show marks the moment the sailing season begins for many of us, and on the eve of this year's event it feels like the perfect time to look ahead at what 2026 has in store for Flying Fifteen sailors across the UK.
The Flying Fifteen remains a proudly international class, with UK sailors contributing hugely to both fleet size and success on the world stage. Its global status also attracts well-known names from across the dinghy racing scene, along with the usual mix of sailmakers, coaches and other professionals who dip in and out as major championships come around.
This visibility is fantastic for the class, but it can mean that attendance at domestic events—particularly the UK Nationals—varies from year to year. And while the big names and big regattas help drive innovation and new-boat builds, the heart of the class has always been the club sailors who race their Flying Fifteens week after week in handicap fleets up and down the country.
The 2026 UK calendar is full of opportunities for those sailors. Alongside the familiar open meetings, this year's regional and Classic/Silver fleet championships stretch from Torquay in the south (May 16-17) to Loch Lomond in Scotland (October 3-4), across to Llangorse in Wales (September 13-14), and through the Midlands (Grafham, April 18-19) and Cumbria (Ullswater, September 5-6).
With 2026 following a home-waters World Championship in 2025 and a busy qualification year in 2024, it may naturally be a quieter season overall. But that gives us a brilliant opportunity to refocus on what matters most: supporting the sailors who form the backbone of the class and helping clubs grow and strengthen their own Flying Fifteen fleets.
That's exactly what we aim to do with the 2026 UK Nationals "Plus", hosted by Tees & Hartlepool YC from 9-12 July.
What is the Nationals "Plus"?
This year's Nationals will be a championship with a difference—designed to be especially welcoming to newcomers and to those who love their Flying Fifteen but don't usually travel with it. The racing will still be the centrepiece, but the atmosphere will be relaxed, friendly and inclusive, with the focus firmly on enjoyment both on and off the water.
To keep things comfortable and un-intimidating, entries are capped at 50 boats. We're also adding practical support such as on-shore tuning and bimbling sessions, plus a used-sails swap-shop to help sailors get the most from their boats. And if you're short of a helm, a crew, or even a boat, let us know—we'll be running our own match-making service to help get you on the start line.
A venue made for the occasion
Tees & Hartlepool YC offers an ideal setting for this style of event, with a great sailing area, excellent facilities and plenty of accommodation options. Boats can be dry-sailed or kept afloat in the adjacent marina. The social programme is shaping up to be something special too, with evening events and daytime activities planned to make the whole long weekend memorable.
Whether you're brand new to the class or have been part of it for decades, the 2026 Nationals "Plus" is a perfect chance to experience the fun of travelling with your Flying Fifteen. Put the dates in your diary—and if you're still deciding, come and chat with us at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show this weekend.
And on the international stage...
Alongside the UK-focused season, 2026 also brings a major overseas highlight: the Flying Fifteen European Championship, held on the iconic waters of Palma Bay from 6-11 October. Hosted by Club de Mar-Mallorca, the event is expected to attract a strong UK contingent. Some teams are even planning to combine it with the Spanish Nationals the week before in Pollensa, and the truly enthusiastic may also take in the Belgian Nationals (26-27 September) and the French Nationals (17-18 October) on their travels.
flying15.org.uk