20' Fox Flying Fifteen (1972) - KAY D

When I retired to Saltspring Island in 2007 I felt the need to find a boat that would forgive the speed that my aging body moved. After a lifetime of sailing racing dinghies I wanted something a bit more stable than a Fireball or an International Canoe. I stumbled upon a keel boat that could plane, looked sporty and was old enough to be affordable. It was a Flying Fifteen, designed in 1947, this one was built in 1972 by a very good English builder. I keep her in the water at our sailing club, 8 minutes from my home, fully rigged under a cover. In less than 5 minutes from when I arrive at the club I am sailing, and I am sailing a lot. A boat that is sailed often is a happy boat and she continues to give me much joy. Twelve years ago, in a blustery North wind she broke the club record for the “Round Prevost Island Race”, a record that she still holds. Last year she won the overall Club Championship in her 52nd year. She doesn’t ask much but she sure delivers.