The Hong Kong Flying Fifteen Association Class Championships were held on 21 –22 March at Middle Island, and delivered the best turnout the class has seen in years. Twenty boats relocated for the Championship, a logistical effort and clear signal that momentum is building nicely with the Hong Kong Worlds in 2028 now firmly on the horizon.
The fleet was a lively mix of regulars and visitors. Double Olympic champion Lijia Xu returned to the Flying Fifteens after the Weymouth Worlds, crewed by Adam Kingston. Hong Kong Etchells gurus Jamie McWilliam and ‘Scurvy’ jumped into the fleet for some close-quarters fun. Adding international flavour, Canadians Jill and Nikki flew in from Salt Spring to sample Hong Kong’s blend of breeze, scenery, and hospitality.
The forecast promised 15 knots, medium swell, and hazy sunshine. Under the expert management of PRO Barry Truhol and his team, the stage was set for a memorable regatta.
Day 1 – Three races plus Frogger
Twenty competitors set out on Saturday to contest for the bragging rights of the Hong Kong title. Before racing could begin, competitors first tackled the day’s unofficial special stage: a one-kilometre sprint across the Lamma Channel, dodging 20 knot cargo ships in a daily game of ‘Frogger’.
Heeding the simple instruction, cross shipping lanes at right angles, the full Fifteens fleet reached the start area without incident. The Championships could begin.
From the gun, Lijia Xu (3990) set the pace. She rounded the top mark first in all three races and converted each into a comfortable win. Behind her, Leigh Riddell (4017) and Jamie McWilliam (3649) engaged in a close contest for second that would last all weekend.
Further back, newcomers Candy (4015) and Stanley (3978) impressed with consistent results. Long-time Fifteen sailors David (3701), Brian (3830) and Carlyon (4139) all posted one strong performance across the day.
The most intense racing unfolded mid fleet with frequent tacks, gybes, and luffing matches, punctuated by cries of “starboard!” (at least I think that’s what he was saying). Team Canada Jill and Nikki showed excellent upwind speed, only to discover that they had forgotten to pack a spinnaker. They could only watch on as the fleet passed on the downwind legs.
The windy conditions exposed both equipment and judgement. A port-starboard incident on the first beat saw Wilson (3468) and Jayne (3979) collide, severing Jayne’s starboard shroud and ending their regatta. Later, Carlyon (4139) lost all jib tension, prompting retirement and frantic on-the-water repairs. With anchor deployed and patience applied, the repair was completed, and Carlyon was able to return for Race 2.
After the early attrition, 16 boats competed through the rest of the day’s races. Racing remained sharp to the end of the day. Brian (3830) led a Corinthian charge with a strong overall showing as the “best of the rest”. Day 1 ended with Lijia first, Leigh second, and Jamie third.
Lijia Xu & Adam Kingston: winners
Day 2 — Repairs, repeat conditions, and a final twist
Eighteen boats returned on Sunday for three more races. Among them was Hugues Rondouin (3882), whose aptly named “Second Wind” was back in action after overnight repairs. On Saturday, Hugues had discovered that his front tank had attempted to accommodate much of the South China Sea. The fix held, and he delivered an excellent second day.
Conditions mirrored Saturday: 15 knots, early haze, then sunshine, with the breeze easing late in the afternoon—welcome relief for tired legs, shoulders, and vocabulary.
Race 4 started dramatically with Lijia (3990) OCS. Forced to the supposedly unfavoured right, she worked back into contention by the top mark—an illustration that the best sailors seldom stay out of trouble for long. Jamie (3649) was now fully on pace, with Leigh (4017) close behind. Lijia extended for another win, while Leigh edged Jamie by two seconds for second place. Carlyon (4139) showed improved upwind speed, and the ever-consistent Stanley (3978) rounded out the top five.
For Race 5, the leader board remained consistent. Lijia and Adam sealed the Championship with a race to spare and headed ashore for an early afternoon Champions’ ice-bath.
As the final race began, the sun came out and the wind eased. With Leigh (4017) OCS the race was wide open. Class legend Sam Chan (4038) went right, joined by Candy (4015), with Leigh in hot pursuit. Candy rounded the top mark first. On the second beat the fleet split again, with the right-hand side paying dividends, and Leigh (4017) charged through for the win. Jamie (3649 followed), with Howard (3981) taking third - his best result of the regatta.
Results
Overall (scratch):
1st – Lijia Xu/Adam Kingston
2nd – Leigh Riddell/Jamie Wood
3rd – Jamie McWilliam/Andrew Service
On handicap, Waichuen Chan took the win.
Many thanks to the race officials, RHKYC, and the Hong Kong Flying Fifteen Committee for delivering a superb event. With ideal conditions, close racing throughout the fleet, and a growing turnout, the Championship showcased the best of Hong Kong sailing—and offered a compelling preview of what awaits when the Hong Kong Worlds arrive in February 2028.
Report & photos by Leigh Riddell.
Final results table