Black and white archival photograph of a fleet of Flying Fifteen sailing dinghies heeled over on open water under an overcast sky, suggesting the class's long competitive heritage.

Our Class

Heritage, registration, and the people who keep the Flying Fifteen sailing worldwide.

Our history

The Flying Fifteen is a competitive one-design sports boat whose heritage spans decades of racing. The class continues to attract sailors, boat owners, and members of national associations around the world.

Records of European and World Championships, builder histories, and major milestones are kept within the class to preserve the story of the design for current and future owners.

The Flying Fifteen carries a heritage that stretches back through decades of competitive sailing, earning its place as a true one-design sports boat. The class draws together sailors, owners, and national associations who share a passion for fair racing under a common rule. Historical records of major championships and design milestones are preserved within the community, keeping the story of the boat alive for newcomers and seasoned crews alike. This long tradition is part of what gives the Flying Fifteen its enduring appeal on the water and its strong identity among sailing classes worldwide.

A central feature of the class is the boat register, which keeps a careful listing of Flying Fifteens and tracks their ownership across fleets and countries. Within this register, classic boats that remain actively sailed and raced are highlighted, celebrating hulls that have stood the test of time. By maintaining current owner information and sail numbers, the register helps crews connect, supports event organisers in verifying eligibility, and ensures that the heritage of older boats continues to be recognised alongside newer builds. It is a living archive that reflects the ongoing life of the class.

Beyond registration, the class supports its members with technical resources that keep boats competitive across changing conditions. Builders, sail makers, and designers contribute to a shared body of knowledge covering specifications, rules, mould details, and tuning guidance. These resources help owners maintain their boats to a consistent standard, which is the heart of one-design racing. Practical guides and tuning tips allow crews to refine performance while staying true to the class ethos. Together, the register and technical support reflect a community that values both its history and the pursuit of fast, fair sailing.

A Flying Fifteen heeling smartly in steady breeze on open water, mainsail and jib drawing cleanly in soft daylight.

Boat register & classic boats

The class maintains a register of Flying Fifteens, including a listing of classic boats that remain actively sailed and raced.

  • Boat register with current owners and sail numbers
  • Listing of classic boats by year and builder
  • Records kept by the FFI for historical reference

Construction dates & production numbers

Reference figures covering construction dates and the total number of boats built are held within the class archive.

Category Coverage in FFI records
Construction dates First hulls through to current production years
Number of boats built Cumulative production totals maintained by the class

Year book

The class Year book is published for members and provides an annual snapshot of the Flying Fifteen community, including championship reports, technical notes, and association news.

Sunlit deck view of a Flying Fifteen showing varnished wood, polished fittings, and taut rigging in warm afternoon light.