Designed by Briton Uffa Fox in 1947, the 6m two-man Flying 15 keeler soon established a reputation as an exciting racing yacht.
The class has developed over the years with only minor changes in design and sail.
The accent has always been on sailing skill rather than technical innovation andbig budgets, which is probably why the class has prospered in New Zealand.
Auckland will be seeing the world's best in action on the inner harbour and Hauraki Gulf when the 15th world championships begin today out of the Royal Akarana Yacht Club. Ninety-seven competitors from eight countries will be competing in the event, which finishes on Friday.
The Brits will be defending the title won by the husband-and-wife team of Barry and Sue Parkin in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, in 2003. Chasing them will be sailors from Hong Kong, Ireland, Europe and Australia and a strong contingent of locals.
The regatta for classic ff15s will be sailed between Rangitoto and Mission Bay in seven races, and as many as 25 boats will be chasing the gongs.
The main event will be sailed on the open water north of Rangitoto in the general area of the America's Cup courses, with possibly 72 boats taking part.
The field includes five former world champions and a strong team of New Zealand sailors honed in top competition from Whitbread-Volvo to Olympic sailing. The national championships finished on Wednesday with the best-performed New Zealanders being Aaron Goodmansen and Alister Rowlands in fifth place. The top four spots went to English and Australian crews.
Among the top international teams are Britons Steve Goacher and Phil Evans. They won three worlds in a row - in 1995, 1997 and 1999 - and are among the favourites.
Top Australians are Grant Alderson and Dean McCauley.
Fox designed the Flying 15 for Prince Philip, who is patron of the class.
