Flying Fifteen 2644

Windebank Classic for Sale

A very unusual opportunity to purchase a Porter-built all-GRP Windebank design Flying Fifteen with pre-2700 sailnumber and thus eligible for the Classic fleet. This boat has had little use during it's life and is 100% 'solid', but is being sold cheaply as it needs to be fully renovated cosmetically, and does not come with a trailer, rig or sails.

Note that this boat is considered to be the 'ultimate specification' for a competitive Classic Flying Fifteen, which is borne-out by the race-winning pedigree of it's identical sister-ship - multiple National, European and World Championships, Flying Fifteen 2633. (See bottom of page for lots of information about 2663, which should be very useful to whomever buys 2644)

2644 is believed to have had little use during it's life, with it's owner apparently losing interest in the boat and donating it to the sailing club in lieu of fees. Unfortunately fellow club members then stripped the boat of much of it's equipment and left the hull lying on it's side in the dinghy park, hence the poor cosmectic condition it is currently in. Fortunately it was at least very, very dry, as the sailing club in question was in Mallorca, Spain! Dave Brown and myself recognised the boat for the rare beast that it was and negotiated with the club to purchase the hull, and transported it 2000 miles back to the UK. It is now located at Middle Nene SC near Kettering.

Below are lots of pictures of the boat. Although apparently in poor condition there the damage really is only cosmetic and easily repaired - the basic boat is very, very sound.

Replacing the gunwhales is really the only job of significance needed in the refurbishment of the boat - everything else is just minor fibreglass work followed by painting - just as was done to 2663

The transom, incidentally, is wood on the Mk3 Windebanks (apparently they were originally meant to have fibreglass transoms, but Roy broke the mould!). We replaced the transom on 2663, and it may be that 2644 needs the same - it is a straightforward job, and saved an awful lot of weight too.

Needs a new coaming on the foredeck - a good opportunity actually as you can match it to the new gunwhales and make the boat look really smart!

Cosmetic damage to the gelcoat - just grind back and apply new fibreglass, then sand and paint

Gelcoat rubbed away when the boat was lying on it's side - sand smooth and apply new gelcoat (ideally) or paint

This photo is actually a really good sign. These are stress cracks caused by the helm sitting too far back - this is where the side-decks meet the rear deck, and the reinforcement under the decks stops (hence the decks where the deck starts to flex). 2663 was about ten times worse than this in this area!. These are purely cosmetic cracks in the gelcoat - simply repaint and they won't reappear as long as you make sure to sit in the right place!

New gunwhale and a bit of fibreglass work required to the deck

Asking price for the boat is £1200, but be quick as I'll eventually find the time to refurbish it myself and sell it for a lot more!.

You may contact me (Jeremy Arnold) on 01773 781648 or 07855 29052, or j.arnold9@ntlworld.com

Renovation 0f 2663

As mentioned, 2663 is the multiple-champship-winning sistership to 2644, and was fully renovated by myself several years ago in exactly the same manner as 2644 now requires. The work done to 2663 was documented in some detail by Mike Pearce, who was co-owner of the boat at the time. Mike produced a website detailing the project - click the link below to see it:

2663 Renovation Website - http://www.payhost.net/2663/index.html

Note also that I can answer any questions about the renovation on 2663, so get in touch if you have any queries.