Dovestone sailors fly high at national championships - and it’s a family affair

Pictured are Tim Allen, Iain McNeill, Emily Kippen and Andy McKee

Dovestone Sailing Club sailors took both first-place spots at the Flying Fifteen Classic and Silver National Championships held at Dovestone reservoir.  

Brother and sister Andy McKee and Emily Kippen were crowned Classic champions, with Tim Allen and Iain McNeill triumphing in the Silver class.

This was the first national championship event to be held at the club in its 58-year history, with 30 sailors from all parts of the UK taking part.

Victorious helm, 2022 Flying Fifteen European champion Andy said: “It’s been 20 years since I last sailed with my sister Emily, and winning this championship in our grandfather’s boat ‘Flame’ was really special for both of us.”

Winning Silver class crew and club commodore Iain said: “I was delighted when Dovestone Sailing Club was given the honour of hosting this prestigious event.

"It was great to be able to give a warm Oldham and Saddleworth welcome to competitors travelling from as far as Shetland, and a double win for Dovestone was the cherry on the cake.”

Dovestone Flying Fifteen sailors’ next big challenge is the World Championship, being held in the UK for the first time since 2011 at Weymouth in August.

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