ONE of the largest fleets currently sailing at Bewl Water, the Flying Fifteen class, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.
The occasion coincides with the 40th year of competitive sailing this month at the venue.
Designed by Uffa Fox in 1947 on the Isle of Wight, Flying Fifteens are still being built and sailed at clubs around Europe as well as far afield in South Africa, Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand.
The first round of open events organised by Bewl Sailing Association, with prizes sponsored by Hoads, consisted of a five-race series spread over April 8-9.
Under beautiful sunny skies, the fairly light winds produced some challenging but exciting racing.
Ian Cadwallader and his crew Dave Sweet from Chew Valley Sailing Club were victorious, with Robert Hogben and Glyn Morgan the best Bewl boat.
The next special sailing event at MarkerStudy’s Bewl Water is Push the Boat Out sponsored by the Royal Yacht Association on May 20.
Last year 20,000 people took to the waters at more than 350 venues nationwide to discover the thrills and spills of the sport.
If you would like to try a free taster session with an expert sailor, contact amandaconrad@hotmail.co.uk
