Gazette Report – 19 August 2019

19 August 2019
Royal Windermere Yacht Club’s Flying Fifteens Survive Windermere’s Winds

The high winds on Windermere over the past week have kept many fleets ‘at anchor’ rather than competing. Not to be deterred, the Royal Windermere Yacht Club’s “Flying Fifteens” set off on Saturday (17th August) to compete for the aptly-named West Wind Trophy in the South Lake.

Amongst the yachts to start was one helmed by Royal Windermere Yacht Club member and current World Champion Steve Goacher, crewed by Tim Harper. This team saw the testing weather conditions as an excellent way to prepare for the 2019 World Championships to be held in Dublin starting on 2nd September.

Conditions on Saturday were challenging to say the least, with strong south westerly winds gusting up to 29 mph. Testing out sails, Steve Goacher and Tim Harper competed in part of the race which was won by ‘Niffty’ (sailed by the dynamic father and son duo, Nigel Tullett at the helm and Gavin Tullett as crew). Second home was ‘Factor Fifteen’ (helmed by Frank Kelly, crewed by Michelle Kay), and third was ‘Floozie’ (helmed by Adam Cowley).

Owing to high winds, the Windermere Class 17 Foot fleet did not race on Saturday, nor could the dinghies or the Flying Fifteens race on Sunday!

The Royal Windermere Yacht Club’s Flying Fifteens now turn their attention to the World Championships in Dublin. This bi-annual event commences on Monday 2nd September with the Irish National Championships, sailed over 3 days. The World Championships commence on Friday 5th September with the Royal Windermere Yacht Club represented by Steve Goacher and Tim Harper, Dave Heron and Chris Ducker. Some 76 boats have entered the championships from the UK, Ireland, Canada, South Africa, Spain, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand. Will Steve Goacher defend his title won in New Zealand in 2017?