Graham Vials and Chris Turner win the 2015 Flying Fifteen World Championship!
Photo by Andy Weatherspoon.
The Flying 15 fleet have held their first ever World Championships in France. This event attracted 72 entries from across the Flying 15 world with teams representing Australia, Belgium, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Ireland and of course France itself.
The event was won for the third time in a row by the team of Graham Vials and Chris Turner from Royal Lymington Yacht Club with 4 firsts, a second and a sixth (with one discard) beating the nearest contenders Jeremy Davy and Martin Huett from Draycote Water Sailing Club by 8 points.
The first non-British team in 18th place was Philippa Packer and Dean McAullay from the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club in Perth, Western Australia. Philippa was also the first female (and female helm) in the event.
The French home team dominated the Silver Fleet results with their champion of the event being Christian Hardy and Thomas Camus of the Yachting Club du Pays de Fontainbleau south of Paris. Read more …
The Flying Fifteen stands as one of the most enduring and competitive keelboat classes in the sailing world. Originally conceived by the legendary designer Uffa Fox, the boat has evolved over decades while retaining the crisp handling and lively performance that made it a favourite from the start. Its hull shape rewards skilled trimming and tactical positioning, offering a pure connection between sailor and water. Whether racing in a stiff coastal breeze or gliding across a sheltered bay, the Fifteen delivers an experience that feels both timeless and thoroughly modern.
International competition lies at the heart of the Flying Fifteen community. Major events rotate between stunning venues across Europe, Australia, and beyond, drawing fleets that range from seasoned world champions to enthusiastic club sailors. Each championship brings its own character, shaped by local winds, tides, and the camaraderie that builds ashore after racing. The class thrives on this blend of serious sport and genuine friendship, with sailors sharing knowledge freely and welcoming newcomers into a truly global network.
The boat’s design has been carefully stewarded over the years, balancing respect for the original concept with thoughtful modern refinements. Builders and sailmakers work within a set of class rules that preserve fair competition while allowing for advances in materials and construction techniques. This measured approach means that older hulls remain competitive, and the fleet enjoys a healthy mix of classic and contemporary boats. Owners take pride in maintaining and tuning their Fifteens, often passing them between generations of sailing families.
Sailing a Flying Fifteen demands teamwork, communication, and a keen eye for the shifting patterns of wind and water. The two-person crew operates in close coordination, with the helm and crew each playing vital roles in boat speed and tactical decision-making. In gusty conditions, the boat comes alive, planing readily and rewarding those who can read the gusts and anticipate the next shift. It is a boat that teaches patience and precision, yet never fails to deliver moments of pure exhilaration.
The class has a proud tradition of fostering female participation at every level of the sport. Women compete successfully as helms, crews, and in mixed pairings, and their achievements are celebrated across the fleet. Many national and international events feature strong female representation on the podium, reflecting a culture that values talent and dedication above all else. This inclusive spirit has helped the class remain vibrant and forward-looking, attracting sailors from diverse backgrounds and all age groups.
Beyond the racecourse, the Flying Fifteen community is bound together by a shared passion for craftsmanship, adventure, and the simple pleasure of being on the water. Club fleets organise social sailing days, tuning workshops, and informal gatherings that keep the spirit of the class alive between major championships. New sailors are always welcome, and many clubs offer opportunities to crew or try a boat before committing. It is this welcoming, hands-on culture that ensures the Fifteen continues to thrive in an ever-changing sailing landscape.
Centre Nautique Crozon Morgat has to offer.