Introduction
The Class
The Flying Fifteen is a high-performance planing dinghy which is now the most popular one design keel-boat class in the world. (The "fifteen" refers to it's waterline length.) It is capable of some 14 knots on a reach without the problems arising from capsize or trapeze and is easily transportable and stored. It is arguably the safest, most exciting small yacht available. Mixed crews are common... MORE >>>
How to get sailing
The Flying Fifteen is sailed throughout New Zealand with an active racing programme throughout the year. The best way to get sailing is to have a go! With some clubs, like the BOI Yacht Club and Royal Akarana Yacht Club (Auckland) there are boats available to try out. The first step is to approach your nearest fleet representatives or simply turn up at a yacht club on a race day. You will find the vast majority of Flying Fifteen crews very approachable and keen help you get sailing.
Racing
There is an active racing programme throughout the year which includes club racing and several regional regattas plus the national champs... MORE >>>
World Championships
Every two years the Internation Flying Fifteen class holds a World Championship and New Zealand has sent a team every time since the first one was held in 1979, with the top NZ crews usually featuring in the top 10. New Zealanders have won twice: Roger Craddock and Steve Cunnold in 1994 and Barry Finlayson & Ian Norrie in 1980. There are also Silver and Classic divisions, with NZ crews having won the Silver division in 2009 and 2005.
New Zealand has hosted the World Championships three times: in 1982, 1994, and 2005. The 18th Flying Fifteen World Championships will be held at Hayling Island Sailing Club, England, 15 - 28 July 2011. MORE >>>
History
One evening, fifty years ago, as he lay in his bath at home in Cowes Uffa had a vision of a radical new small boat: "The FLYING FIFTEEN in all her glory marching in triumph before a stiff nor'wester". He rushed from bath to drawing board and put the vision on paper there and then - the hull, the keel, the rudder, the sail plan. MORE >>>
The most famous Flying Fifteen is “Coweslip” presented to the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Elizabeth as a wedding present. Uffa Fox and Prince Philip frequently sailed together at Cowes. The Flying Fifteen has been modernised over the years. MORE >>>