Flying Scots lead the way, from novice to expert
Few small, one-design sailboats match the Flying Scot for performance, comfort, safety, heritage and fun. Fleet 103 is Fishing Bay Yacht Club's largest group of two- to three-person racing dinghies, with 30 boats on-site, plus five club-owned boats available to club members for minimal cost.
Interested in learning to sail? The Flying Scot can do that. Stable, safe, dry and predictable, the centerboard sloop with secure bench seating is a great educational platform. FBYC has a variety of strong, targeted training programs, ranging from children to youth to adults.
Want to cast off with the kids for a leisurely afternoon? The Flying Scot can do that too. With a spacious cockpit accomodating skipper and two or three crew members, the 19-foot Scot is uncommonly roomy and doesn't have the tippy feeling of many dinghies, thanks to her 6-3/4-foot beam and 4-foot draft with centerboard deployed.
Got the racing bug? The Scot is a sure-footed, forgiving craft, but if you want excitement, she'll plane smartly off the wind with her spinnaker flying. Fleet 103 hosts a full slate of regattas -- from large regional events to small club competitions -- from April through October. It all happens on Fishing Bay, off the club's efficient, modern marina in some of the Mid-Atlantic's most beautiful sailing waters. Scots are a rigorous one-design class, meaning each boat's hull, rigging, sails and other features must be nearly identical. That makes Scot racing a true test of sailing skill. Class rules are governed by the national Flying Scot Sailing Association, www.fssa.com/. The class also is blessed with a reliable Maryland-based builder -- Flying Scot Inc., https://flyingscot.com/ -- which markets new boats, replacement parts and boat repairs and services.
Looking to meet people and make friends? FBYC is a great place for socializing on the water and off. Members are friendly and helpful. Flying Scot regattas feature post-competition meals and drinks. Boat-owning skippers often need volunteer crew members. The club offers clean, attractive, well-furnished buildings with meeting spaces, kitchens, bathrooms and storage. There's a swimming pool, launching facilities, a small beach, parking and dry storage for boats on trailers. FBYC is one of the prettiest sailing clubs on the Chesapeake Bay.
Considering purchase of a small day-sailer? Not many boats have stood the test of time like the Scot. In continuous production since 1957, more than 6,100 have been built. The boat was designed by Sandy Douglass, who also designed the Thistle and the Highlander. Scots are readily available for sale publicly at a range of price points. Sturdy fiberglass construction, strict one-design rules, steady production of new boats and a dynamic racing culture ensure that older boats stay competitive and well-kept Scots hold their value.
Want to travel with your sailboat? The 850-lb Scot hits the road easily on a trailer that is towable behind most larger vehicles. Some racing Scot sailors at FBYC head south in the winter, trailering their boats to regattas in Florida; some are active on the national racing circuit year-round.
To learn more, contact Fleet Captain Kevin Drawbaugh at kevin.drawbaugh@gmail.com, or on 202-276-2348.
Club-owned boats are available to members for $100/season and are free to new members for their first year. Details on using a club Scot: Adult Sailing.To join the fleet's email list, see Mail at Members.
View the FBYC 2025 events and racing schedule for one design boats.