Flying Fifteen Introduction

Welcome to the Parkstone Flying Fifteen fleet.

Fleet Introduction

Flying Fifteens have raced in Poole Harbour at various clubs since the early 1950s and they were adopted as a fleet at PYC in 1996.

They are drysailed at PYC and launching and retrieving is assisted by the provision of a relatively new pontoon which we extended during the winter of 07/08. There are now 24 boats in the fleet and series racing typically has turnouts of 10-14 boats. There is no distinction made between boats based on age (ie Classic and Silver Fleet boats compete on level terms with newer boats). Currently, the fleet has boats of sail number 2876 to 3916.

Owners of Fifteens at PYC and their crews have come into the fleet from Merlins, Fireballs, Enterprises and various other classes. There are a number of boats sailed by husband and wife teams and the fleet enjoys an excellent social programme and there is a very friendly atmosphere.

 Fifteens race three times a week, one race on each of the days, and always have their own start. On Wednesday afternoons racing is provided for Fifteens and for the X Boat fleet only plus Shrimpers every other week. On Friday evenings racing is now for the Fifteens, with certain days for Darts and Albacores. On Saturday afternoons Fifteens sail with all the club dinghy fleets.

Racing is predominantly within the harbour with the start and finish from a race platform about half a mile from the club. The races are typically of two to two and a half hours duration and racing in our huge harbour is very entertaining and challenging. When racing outside the harbour the starts and finishes are from the platform and courses involve racing to Bournemouth pier, or to Studland or to Swanage. For open meetings, races have starts and finishes in Poole Bay. Whilst the helm ability range extends right up to national champion (in Merlins), the racing is normally very close.

 In 2005 PYC hosted the National Championships for the class and this attracted an entry of 56 boats and was judged to be an excellent event by the competitors and by the class association (BIFFA).

The annual Poole Week Regatta in August sees an entry of up to 25 Fifteens with strong support from members of other clubs.

 PYC welcomes membership applications from sailors who wish to join the Fifteen fleet. Please contact the Fleet Captain or Vice Captain for further information and assistance. If any club member would like to experience sailing in a Flying Fifteen please talk to our fleet captain.