Flying Fifteen Open 2026 - May 9th & 10th

Surrounded by the stunning Pennine hills boats gathered for the annual Dovestone Flying Fifteen open meeting. On Saturday using the fleet PY handicaps, three races were sailed back-to-back. The rain came down, there was thunder and the wind was generally quite strong at around F4 gusting at times. Using the full length of the reservoir this produced great sailing including an exhilarating two sail fetch and fast deep spinnaker runs.

The 4065 team of David McKee and Mal Hartland had a good day recording 3 bullets. They were followed by 4150 Andrew McKee and Ben Thackray with 2 seconds and a 3rd. In race two the beautiful wooden classic GILMAC 485 of Graham Sharp and Ralph Smith had an outstanding race with a 2nd place. In the third race there was a strong performance from Alex Beach and Mike Hale, first timers in a Flying Fifteen sailing the club’s 2804 who scored a 4th place. 3805 Graham Massey and Martin Brennan came 3rd in the first race.

Whilst the racing had been great, it had been a cold day on the water and crews were pleased to pack up and soak in the steamy showers to recuperate for the evening social. This included a fine pie supper, and entertainment was provided by the “Ship to Shore shanty singers”.

Sunday’s weather was much brighter with blue skies and sunshine, although the F3 breeze still had a chill to it. Two races were sailed back-to-back. At the front David and Mal shared a 1st and 2nd with Andrew and Ben.

In race four, the new ‘home team’ of Ian Lees and Dave Hill in 3626 found their mojo with a 3rd place. Graham and Ralph in 485 were placed 3rd in the last race to complete a good overall score for the event. One of the most consistent crew was 3784 Nick and Claire Taylor who counted a 3rd and four 4ths for a third place in the event.

Overall, the sailing was great, the company was good and the event a great success. Thanks were given to the guests that travelled from as far away as the NW coast of Scotland and Nottingham.

Summary Results

1st	4065	David McKee and Mal Hartland	Dovestone SC
2nd	4150	Andrew McKee and Ben Thackray	Dovestone SC
3rd	3286	Nick and Claire Taylor	Dovestone SC
4th	485	Graham Sharp and Ralph Smith	Plockton Small Boat SC

Report by David McKee, Dovestone SC

Full Results

Laser Open

Laser Open - Sunday 13th October 2024

Fourteen boats registered to compete in the 2024 Dovestone SC ILCA open event. Competitors came from West Riding SC, Delph SC, Rudyard Lake SC, Leigh and Lowton SC, Etherow SC and of course home boats from Dovestone SC. At the 10:30 briefing the wind was flat calm with the promise of it picking up slightly later in the morning, so the OD postponed the start to be reviewed in one hour. At 11:30 the OD announced that a race start would be attempted at 12:00 and was promptly keel hauled and made to walk the plank by the assembled sailors. As it happens they were right, because a National 12 took advantage of the gap in sailing, but the wind eventually completely died and it ended up being towed back in.

The end of series prize giving did take place, with some seriously good prizes handed out. Thanks to Wendy for all the hard work in organising the event and the Flying Fifteen fleet for covering all the duties. Special mention for John MacDonald and John Hughes who re-launched the safety boat to facilitate free sailing.

Entrants can be viewed here.