Commodore’s Report
After two years delay with the pandemic, I am delighted we are finally in Freemantle for the
2023 Endeavour Homes Flying Fifteen World Championship.
Since my election as Commodore in May 2021, the following are the key highlights achieved
so far.
Ballot
A number of changes to progress the development of the Class Rules and Constitution were
agreed in the Ballot, that came into effect March 2022. I wish to thank the Technical
Committee for their diligence in assessing the suggestions from the NCAs, drafting changes
and finally seeking approval from World Sailing.
Technical videos
A series of technical videos were produced, aimed at those interested in joining the class
and the club sailor looking to improve performance and make it more enjoyable to sail a
Flying Fifteen. Feedback has been very positive and confirmed the use of Ocean Images the
specialist production company to produce professional videos. I wish to thank Greg Wells,
David Tulloch, Simon Childs and Kato Greer for their support in the production of the videos
and UK Global Insurance for the sponsorship.
European Championships and 75th Anniversary
71 boats competed in Cowes for the European Championships, in addition to the UK fleet
there were entries from Australia, South Africa, Belgium and Ireland. Hosted by the Cowes
Corinthian Yacht Club, the event was a huge success, including drinks on the Royal Yacht
Squadron and a reception in Uffa Fox’s last residence on the water front. The event gave us
an ideal opportunity to produce a promotional video for the class and increase the library of
photographs.
Media coverage
FFI have used the services of Jonny Fullerton of Regatta Services for a number of years, he
continues to promote the class, despite the challenge of getting articles from the NCAs. It is
always difficult to judge the effectiveness of media coverage, but if one gauge is the number
of articles published there were 84 articles, the next were the Etchells with 62 articles.
Main areas for discussion
In the interest of using our time efficiently I would like Councillors to focus on the future and
what we can influence.
1) Approvals
There are a number of approvals throughout the agenda.
2) NCA Feedback

Discuss feedback from the NCA, practically the initiatives NCAs can adopt to support
growth and development of the class in the respective regions, and how FFI can
support this activity.
3) 2027 World Championship venue
To date RHKYC are the only club who responded to the request for expression of
interest.
Given the interest in the class from North America and Canada from the advertising
over recent years. We have explored the option for FFI to facilitate the 2027
World Championship in North America with the objective of promoting the class and
leaving a lasting legacy and build a fleet.
In discussion with Barry Parkin, a former Flying Fifteen World Champion who now
lives in North America, we have explored the idea. Regrettably, we did not get the
local support we had hoped for and Barry’s views are “I honestly don’t think there is
any chance of starting a FF fleet in N.America. There are already many 2/3 person
classes that meet a similar need with 50 plus years of heritage and enthusiastic
following - the Snipe, Flying Scot, Thistle etc as well as the modern classes such as the
Viper, VX1, RS21, Melges 20 etc”
4) 2026 European Championships venue
This is very much work in progress, with early discussions with Cascais, Portgual.
Michel Pelegrin and Simon Thompson are the European Co-ordinators and will be
exploring other venues in addition to Cascais.
5) Championship Regulations
The Championship Regulations have been reviewed and updated to reflect current
practice. A mark-up of the changes has been attached. Approval is sought.
6) 2025 Ballot
The Ballot seems a long way off, however, this is the last opportunity when Council
Members will be together to discuss. It would be helpful to have thoughts and
suggestions of areas the Technical Committee should be spending time on.
7) Promotion activity
Jonny makes a number of observations and suggestions for future publicity.
i) As you can see from his report, from the data he does not believe that UKFFA
need any real assistance in generating publicity in the UK region. The issue for the
F15 class he believes is promotion of the class internationally and in getting the
NCA’s to provide more publicity from within their own regions.
ii) The sailors in their own territories are far better placed to promote the class in
their own regions whether it be by print, digital or social media.
iii) As he explained at the zoom meeting last year, he believes it is essential that FFI
ask each NCA for a nominated representative to act as the communications /
publicity person.

iv) The second ask is for each NCA to provide two articles with accompanied images
per year at the minimum. This really is not a big ask!!
8) International Measurers
Graeme Robinson, in the Chief Measurer’s report, explains the need for International
Measurers ‘IM’ in Europe, to ensure we retain our status as an International Class.
There are two existing Measurers in the UK who have expressed interest in becoming
IM’s and understand the commitment and time. As existing Measurers, they
understand the Class and what is expected. There is, however, the matter of the cost
in attending courses1 that seems to be a concern raised by both individuals.
In recognition for the time commitment and importance for IM’s, we are seeking
approval in principle for FFI to fund the attendance at International Measurers’
Course.
Chris Waples
Commodore
19th March 2023