The 2026 Flying Fifteen Inland Championships at Grafham Water brought together 28 boats for a weekend that had everything: fine—if occasionally shy—sunshine, wind that couldn’t quite make up its mind, and racing that demanded sharp eyes, quick reactions, and a healthy dose of patience.
Despite the meteorological mischief, the event ran smoothly thanks to John Aston and the superb team from Grafham Water Sailing Club, who somehow managed to set fair courses in winds that shifted more often than a nervous crew on the start line. Thanks also to Hyde Sails for a prize.
Race Winners Who Mastered the Madness
Across the series, a handful of crews showed remarkable adaptability, reading the breeze with near‑clairvoyant skill. Their ability to link the gusts and shifts set them apart in a fleet where the margins were razor-thin.
While the race-by-race leaderboard saw its fair share of shake‑ups, the top performers demonstrated that calm heads and flexible thinking were the keys to success.
Overall Champions Crowned
When the final points were tallied, the overall winners emerged as the team who best balanced bold decisions with steady execution. Their performance across the series showed not only speed but resilience—exactly what Grafham’s famously tricky inland conditions demand. Well done Ben McGrane and Scott Dawson in Boat 4002.
A special mention to Jeremy and Martin Huett who narrowly missed out on countback. Also to Tim O,Brien, Abbatt and Chris Mulholland who came down frm the Lake district.
One of the most heart‑warming stories of the weekend belonged to Brett and Ben Dingwall, who sailed their beautifully maintained 70‑year‑old Flying Fifteen with style and determination.
In the final race, they delivered a superb performance, claiming second place against a fleet dominated by far newer, more modern boats. Their result drew admiration across the dinghy park—a reminder that heritage, craftsmanship, and skill can still mix it with the latest kit.
Race Report by Peter Wolstenholme
Photos are Copyright Paul Sanwell/OPP