FROM THE UK PRESIDENT

I often think that the Flying 15 is an ideal boat to sail during the UK’s winter period. The clubs where they’re sailed have perfected launching to a fine art allowing the crew to keep their feet dry, either through pontoon or crane. On the water, the keel provides a degree of protection from the helm’s moments of incompetence, when they realise the difference between their own perceived talent and their actual ability. Indeed, much of the time sailing a 15 in the winter can be spent watching other classes capsize and being thankful for Uffa Fox’s wisdom.

This winter the UK fleet had a choice of where to sail, the warm, dry climate of Western Australia or the cold, damp and dark confines of the UK. I’m really pleased with my choice and I can honestly say the hospitality, friendliness and positivity of all involved with the 2023 Fremantle worlds, made it an outstanding event.

Is it an omen that in an Ashes year, Graham Vials & Chris Turner sailed exceptionally well to retain their world title representing the UK in the fantastically named ‘Floaty McFloatface’? Their starting was very strong, they would frequently cross the fleet from the port end only seconds into a race. This, backed up with a very quick downwind technique and a solid all round game ultimately proved the difference to the rest of the runners and riders. Western Australia filled the rest of the podium, with Nick Jerwood & Brad Sheridan very consistent perform- ers throughout the wind range and Lachy Gilmore & Ryan Donaldson, stepping into a 15 from a 49er campaign proving fast learners, improving throughout the event.

I’d like to share with you the ethos of the fleet. All these boats put something back into the class, Chris and Brad through Ovington and Aus sails were event sponsors, but Lachy through his family’s amazing farm provided their Futari Wagu Beef for a Sunday night barbecue to remember. This theme of putting something back continued throughout the event with fleet members providing powerboats for cruises up the Swan River and an amazing lay day trip to Rottnest Island.

If you’d like a laugh, listen to the Bar Karate Pod Cast summarising the worlds… https://www.buzzsprout.com/392416/12516006?t=5115

The 15 also brings a bond between helm and crew. Let’s face it, we probably spend more time together in the boat than we do with our partners. Long suffering crew Peter Bartlett on Glamour Buoys went in for a minor operation over the worlds lay day and despite having stitches in his neck refused to let his helm, Leavo (Greg Leaversuch) down. This loyalty and bravery was rewarded with two top 10 results. In an apparent attempt to empathise with his crew, Rob Goddard and Jack Muldon swapped roles on the sail back in, the end result being a trip to an Aussie Dentist for Rob, to replace his top row of front teeth, effortlessly removed by the spinnaker pole when he was unclipping it off the mast. Again, the camaraderie of the fleet showed through when vet Dave Swan volunteered to help, but was swiftly usurped by an actual Dentist.

Now we’re back and the the open meeting season is upon us. Next up, there’s a choice of events over the weekend of 15th&16th April, either Royal Windermere’s 60th anniversary weekend of Flying 15 sailing or Datchet Water’s annual open. The open circuit then continues with venues including Grafham, Burton, Aldeburgh, Middle Nene and the not to be missed Burnham on Crouch.

Alastair Stevenson has literally hearded cats and laid on a fantastic programme of our major fixtures. They’re slightly later this year to allow time for the worlds containers to return. Their current eta into London Gateway is 11th May, so the plan is still holding together.

• Southerns: May 27th/28th at Hayling Island

• Scottish: June 17th/18th at Solway

• Northerns: July 15th/ 16th at Ullswater

• Classic Nationals: August 5th/6th at Bassenthwaite.

• Inlands: September 2nd/3rd at Chew Valley

• Nationals: September 21st – 24th at Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Club

The theme I’d like us all to follow is consideration for others and fun for everyone. We are sailing for relaxation and enjoyment, let’s not spoil it by shouting and bullying. Trust me, it’s a lot more rewarding if we help and encourage our fellow sailors. To this end, we’re investing in providing coaching and debriefing to all competitors at our UK Nationals in Weymouth. This has been achieved through sponsorship with our underwriters, negotiated through Chris Waples and the aim of this coaching is to improve sailors of all abilities – not just the top boat. So, come on and join in, it’s really good fun.

Ian (Caddy) Cadwallader UKFFA President