First ever Flying Fifteen regatta to be held on Canadian waters

The Flying 15 Canada first international Flying Fifteen Regatta brought together sailors from across British Columbia and beyond for three days of racing and camaraderie.

Seven races were completed over the course of the regatta, with Adam and Anne Semple from Perth, Australia, Chris and Allison Howell from Newport Australia, Howard Williams from Hong Kong, and Robert Weyman from USA, joining local competitors on the waters off Saltspring Island.

The event welcomed a wide range of experience levels, from long-time Flying Fifteen local sailor Martin Herbert, to those relatively new to the class. In the spirit of learning and sportsmanship, crews frequently rotated between boats, giving local sailors the opportunity to learn from experienced international guests. As a result, scores were recorded by boat and helm rather than by crew combinations.

First ever Flying Fifteen regatta to be held on Canadian waters (Saltspring Island) - photo © Tim Matheson / F15 Canada

After seven races, Adam Semple claimed first place aboard Fiddle Dee Dee, a Flying 15 he personally donated to Saltspring Island Sailing Club along with three other Flying 15s donated from Geraldton and Perth in Australia!

He was closely followed by Howard Williams of Hong Kong in second place, with Saltspring Island's Martin Herbert taking third.

Following the 'mug' award tradition we learned from the Australians in Perth, several sailors were recognised with sportsmanship awards. Sailing backwards (winds were super light one day), starting in the wrong direction on the start line (we always sail in the other direction), were a few of the awards issued for their contributions to sportsmanship, competitive spirit, and the camaraderie that made the regatta a memorable event both on and off the water.

First ever Flying Fifteen regatta to be held on Canadian waters (Saltspring Island) - photo © Tim Matheson / F15 Canada

Alison and Anne both helped set up the races and helped record results on the race boat, Howard, Chris and Adam provided super helpful advice on improved rigging and hardware options. Robert sailed the F15 he built, Galilee, for the first time with other F15s. Robert was instrumental in helping a local trailer naming company build trailers specially for F15s.

Each day 16 sailors filled the nine F15s with two boats sailed solo. The ten local sailors who had the opportunity to sail with Adam, Chris and Howard were absolutely amazed. One point that stood out for all of us was the need to trim the sails constantly... not just once in a while!!

Chris, Adam and Howard provided super useful advice on streamlining the way each boat is set up. The changes are already being made.

It was absolutely the most fun ever. The visiting sailors all recommended we make this an annual event and would love to come back to sail here with us again!

First ever Flying Fifteen regatta to be held on Canadian waters (Saltspring Island) - photo © Tim Matheson / F15 Canada

Sailor quotes via social media:

Ken Rawluk: "Great weekend. Thanks so much to Jill for spearheading the entire movement and to Hailey for all the organisation and everyone else that made it possible, run smoothly and above all, fun!

"2 1/2 years ago if anyone said I'd even be in a sailing boat I would have laughed. Not a chance! Fast forward and I'm in a boat helmed by Howard and racing against some amazingly talented sailors. Sailing with Howard raised the bar of what can be accomplished and changed the outlook I will have when sailing from now on. All the direction and procedures from Howard although used for speed and winning, will also be integrated into everyday calm sailing"

"Thanks for your passion, confidence and competitiveness. And I do believe patience also. For race 2 when he said "we won". I said "oh my god, I didn't even know it started yet". I thought he was just really adamant that I learn the spinnaker before the next race. So thanks for the patience as well. And thank you to everyone who travelled to make it such a memorable inaugural event and to everyone else who didn't travel and made this weekend great."

First ever Flying Fifteen regatta to be held on Canadian waters (Saltspring Island) - photo © Tim Matheson / F15 Canada

Rachael: "Fun chatting with Howard, and he recommends a book 'Winning in One Designs' which I ordered already. I really enjoyed the positive energy our visitors bringing here. It's so encouraging to hear/see their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm about F15s.

"Huge applause to Jill Hayley and all the volunteers! You create a once in a lifetime event that will stick in my memory. the impact the of the Fly15 community is beyond my words to express! I am so fortunate to be part of it!"

Amy Philips: "I echo thanks and appreciation to Jill, Hayley, all the volunteers, and to our esteemed visitors! I was lucky to get to sail with Howard. It's so generous for you seasoned F-15 sailors to sail with those of us that are quite new to this.

"It was great to learn and practice more about how to jibe the spinnaker more quickly and efficiently, hear tales of epic weather in worlds competitions, and just be on the water with someone with so much knowledge and experience! Thank you so much!"

Mary Kastle: "Thank you so much Hayley, Jill, and everyone involved in organising this! Being new to sailing, I learned so much and really appreciate having had the chance to participate. Wonderful to hang out with you all!"

First ever Flying Fifteen regatta to be held on Canadian waters (Saltspring Island) - photo © Tim Matheson / F15 Canada

Overall Results:

First ever Flying Fifteen regatta to be held on Canadian waters (Saltspring Island) - photo © Tim Matheson / F15 Canada