Fireball News Relaunch Edition

1. news
fireball
2011 open meetings
helming in marginal
trapezing conditions
latest technical
innovations
Reports from this years
sailing events
Beautiful
Breezy
Barbados

2. Image and cover picture by Fotoboat.com
2 Welcome from the new Chariman
3 News
Letter from the editor
Dinghy Show
Design a Fireball T- shirt Competition
New Fireball Calendar
4 UKFA Committee Contacts
Letter from the Fireball International Chairman
contents
5 Barbados Fireball World 2010
8 Sligo Fireball Worlds 2011
9 Website
10 Fireball Committee Members wanted!
11 News from Allen Brothers
New Fireball Mould from Weathermark Sailboats
Website Results section
13 Restronguet Fireball Nationals 2010
16 Pentewan Sands Fireball Nationals 2011
17 Club Focus: Shoreham SC
French National Championships
19 Draycote Fireball Inland Championships 2010
20 Czech Republic Fireball European Championships 2010
21 Endeavour Trophy
Training 2011
22 Introduction to the Open Meeting Circuit 2011
23 Sailing the Fireball: Helming in marginal trapezing conditions
Fleet Boat Report
24 Mandurah Fireball Worlds 2012
25 Championship Preparation
Designed & printed by Badcat Design:
BADCAT DESIGN
Contact Lesley Scarff
tel: 01273 595253
email: lesley@badcats.co.uk

3. New Chairmans’ Column
As as incoming Chairman it only seems masses. Refined over nearly 50 years, boats kindly agreed to take on the role of collecting
right that I should introduce myself to are now competitive for many many years. this information together and uploading it on
those of you who don’t know me. Just look at the results of the recent Inland the website. We will be hearing more from
Championships at Draycote Water where 44 Chris later.
Boats took part and the top five included two
of the newest boats in existence and two boats Having taken part in Fireball open meetings
of distinction from 20 years ago. 14226, now since 2002 I have certainly noticed a drop in
owned by Martyn Lewis, won the 1990 National attendance over the past couple of years,
Championships at Lyme Regis in the hands of Ian You can put this down to a number of factors
Pinnell and Jarrod Simpson. Dave Hall’s 13684 externally, including recession and the success
was one of the original wide bow Delange boat of other classes. But we know there is certainly
sailed by three times worlds winner, Australian more that we can do as an association. We have
John Dransfield and Andrew Perry to victory a great boat and competitive racing. For 2011
at Paignton in 1989. On the boat building front the Golden Dolphin Series is back. The Golden
we have some exciting developments, more Dolphin trophy has been repaired, thanks to
news of which later in the magazine. Russell Thorne for sorting this out. We are
working hard to bring some some sponsors on
So what’s been happening in the past few board to support this and will be making an
months since I have taken over as Chairman? announcement on this soon. I will leave Richard
This new version of Fireball News is one of the Anderton who took over as Open Meeting
first things we have been working on since the Coordinator earlier in the year to tell you more
Nationals at Restronguet in August. We have of the details of the series and the scoring.
a new editor in Lesley Scarff who has taken on
the role previously held by the now married One of these opens will be a 3 day event at
Lesley Chesney (Di Fonzo). As you can see we the beginning of the May half term holiday,
have gone for a brand new format in A4 and hopefully this will allow those planning a break
full colour which looks really professional. This with their Families to get in a little sailing time.
I have been crewing Fireballs since 2002. Since new format allows us to make best use of some For others it will be a great way to spend the
then I have competed at many fantastic events excellent photography from the the 2010 season bank holiday. The 2011 Bank Holiday 3 dayer
all around the country, including some stupidly and for Lesley to use her graphic design skills. will be at Rock Sailing Club on the North
windy ones (seemingly always at Grafham or For those of you who haven’t met our ‘new’ Cornwall coast. For those who have not been,
Paignton) and some drifters. A quick bit of Lesley she crews for husband Stewart and is Rock offers several sailing areas; at high water
maths revealed I have competed in 8 UK based at Shoreham SC, you can normally find in the Camel Estuary or at low water in Padstow
Nationals all of which have been brilliant fun, them in the bar! Bay or even further out for the brave. Rock
with a best overall placing of 5th. It’s always the is a favourite with a number of Fireballers not
first event on the holiday calendar and its my One of the other key tasks has been to bring in just for the sailing, but also because it has an
hope that this will be the case for many more some new faces to the committee. New people excellent Clubhouse which juts out over the
people over the next few years. At club level bring new ideas and enthusiasm and make my water. The now famous local brew, Doom Bar
I was fleet captain at Staunton Harold SC for job easier! Nothing happens without people is brewed just up the hill by award winning
several years before joining the UKFA committee and as a volunteer association we are always Sharps Brewery and is capable of firing many
to take on external PR and then developing the in need of your help to undertake various tasks. a good evening out. There are excellent sandy
current website. Having been on the committee This could simply be assisting with an event like beaches for swimming, kite surfing and wind
since 2006 and always having loads of ideas is the dinghy show or at a training event or surfing and the renowned surfing beach at
the sort of thing that lands you up as Chairman, a few hours or for a day. Perhaps you have some Polzeath. Apparently some bloke called Rick can
so here I am! fantastic ideas for a social at the Nationals. You knock up some decent grub in Padstow on the
might take on the role of fleet captain at your other side of the Estuary too.
For me one great attraction of the Fireball club or have particular skills that the committee
is the chance to take part in International sailing could put to good use? We need your support, Finally, I look forward to seeing you on
events, some serious, some not so. I have your ideas and your energy! the water over the winter, or perhaps at an
been fortunate to be able to sail at events in open meeting or at next years National
France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland and Since I have no longer been able to juggle both Championships. If not then enjoy some great
Barbados over the past seasons and hopefully PR and website we have a new Web Team. sailing in the Fireball wherever you sail!
there will be many more to to come. These Nick Hurst is taking on the role of website
events are more than just opportunities to sail administrator. Nick who is a member of
at some of the best venues across Europe and Shoreham Sailing Club is already getting stuck
beyond, but they are also the chance to meet in! Pete Slack is also joining us asset with web UKFA Key priorities in 2010
Fireballers from all around the globe indulging and multimedia content. So if you have some
in their passion for sailing the Fireball. This interesting video content Pete would be Introduce as many people to Fireball
year has been another successful one at interested in getting hold of it. Jeremy Hurst Sailing at all levels!
International level with 30 UK entrants at the has agreed to take on the role of Nationals
Worlds in Barbados, with Chips Howarth and Co-ordinator with the sole task of making sure Revive the Golden Dolphin open
Vyv Townend taking a record breaking fourth every Fireball Nationals is better than the last meeting series supported by regional
world title. Whilst unfortunately it was only one! Not an easy job and well done to Jeremy series.
a small UK contingent that travelled to the Czech for taking it on. But Jeremy can’t do all the work
Republic for the European Championships, by himself, he will need assistance with the Run a series of excellent training
it was a successful trip with Tom Gillard and Sam extremely important job of running social events events around the country.
Brearey taking the title with an excellent series during the evenings at the Nationals. If you have
of results from 2008 winner Tom Jeffcoate some creative ideas along these lines please Maximise attendance at the National
sailing with Andy Thompson. Congratulations get in touch with Jeremy at Championships, making it an event for
to both our International winning teams and nationals@fireballsailing.org.uk all Fireballers.
also to our 2010 National Champions Dave
Wade and Ben McGrane. With the 50th Anniversary of the Fireball Class Provide resources for Fireballers of
in 2012 approaching fast we are working hard
all ages and abilities. The Fireball was
The Fireball is still one of the very best dinghy to build up the results archive on the website.
Chris Turner, owner of Fireball number 6, has the original performance boat for the
designs, the original performance boat for the
masses and long may it remain so.
2

4. from the Editor... A Date
Welcome to the first Fireball News for...
well at least a couple of years!
for your Diary
Stunning
2011 Fireball
It really is a fantastic issue full of useful
information about upcoming events and
calendar
write ups of al this years most important
Fireball competitions.
There’s plenty to read about new Fireball The 2011 Fotoboat Fireball
technology coming up next year and calendar, which is now on sale,
some interesting stuff about how to sail is a showcase for Tom Gruitt’s
them better! sparkling shots from the 2010 Fireball
Don’t forget the 60th annual RYA Volvo Worlds in Barbados. Fotoboat very
Dinghy Show held at the magnificent kindly also supplied many of the images
We also, really want to hear from you Alexandra Palace in London over the used elsewhere in this magazine.
all, we need your articles and photos, weekend of 5-6 March 2011 we look
and want to include more about you forward to seeing you there!
“warm turquoise water, sunshine all
in this magazine. We would love images
(particularly), from the social events. day, warm breezes and
For further information visit
Whether you take part in the events a good chop creating plenty
or you attend with a sailor and just enjoy
www.dinghyshow.org.uk
of spray makes Barbados a sailing
the locations, we want to hear from you! photographer’s dream location”.
You can send your copy and pictures
directly (word files , text files and jpegs If you were there, this calendar will be a great
please), to me at Lesley@scarff.demon. Barbados memento but even if you were not it’s worth having
co.uk. I’m looking forward to hearing Prime as a collection of great dinghy sailing photographs. It’s
from you Minister also packed with quotes from the Worlds sailors and
interesting snippets of trivia about Barbados.
David
We want to encourage you all to register
on the Fireball website too. This is a
Thompson The calendar, which is A4 format with a wire hanger, is
dies of cancer on sale now at www.fotoboat.com. Price depends on
great source of information for you
quantity: £9.95 each for 1 to 4, £8.95 for 5 to 9 and
and for us The forum is a great place to David Thompson died at his home in £7.95 if you order 10 or more.
answer any questions and if you register St Philip on the Caribbean island. He
we can keep in touch and make sure that had been ill since March with pancreatic Visit the Fotoboat website to order the dalendar or any
you recieve your next copy of the Fireball cancer. Mr Thompson was elected prime of Tom’s fantastic images: www.fotoboat.com
News as soon as it is ready! minister in January 2008.
We really hope that you enjoy this issue
and are hoping to produce another one
early in the New Year, so send in those
articles and images, and let us know
Send us your Articles and Pictures!
what you want to see in the Fireball Please, please, please send us any articles or ideas you may have for articles you would like to see in future
News next Year. editons of the Fireball News. We are always interested and may include them in the next issue! Pictures too
are welcome, serious or funny!
Normally Fireball news is a UKFA The deadline for articles and images to be included in the next issue of the Fireball News is 31st January 2011,
members only publication but this so get writing. Please email them direct to Lesley Scarff at Lesley@scarff.demon.co.uk or to Tim Saunders or
special relaunch issue has been made myself from the committee contacts page of the UKFA website.
freely available to all. We have sent
copies to all those who have been
members since 2005 and have also made
Design a TShirt Competition
the magazine available electronically.
If you wish to receive future issues of
Fireball News you will need to the a
member of the Class Association. We are looking for a new design to feature on clothing and other items this
To join either use the membership year representing the UKFA. You have seen, (and some of you bought),
the t-shirts, sweatshirts and other items that we have produced each
form enclosed or download one from
year for the Nationals. These are usually produced for us by the supplier.
the membership section of the This year we want to be different and so..
website. Regular email updates are
of course available to all registered
website users. we want you to
Have a great Christmas
design our 2011 logo!
and New Year Anyone can enter all you need to do is come up with a design and
send it to the editor before January 31st 2011. Email or post it to us
and you could find yourself the winner of a bag of fireball goodies and a free
Lesley Scarff
t-shirt with your design. Who knows? At this years Nationals everyone could
be wearing a logo designed by you!
If you want to enter please send your designs as jpegs or pdfs to the editor,
these should be no larger than A3 in size.
email to Lesley Scarff: Lesley@scarff.demon.co.uk
3

5. contacts
UKFA Committee Technical Representative
(Sail measurement
Chairman & Trophies)
Tim Saunders Training Officer Vince Horey
0115 846 9205 Treasurer Ian Priest 01920 877474
07966 298477 Wendy Wood 01249 443602 07740816611
Racing
Coordinator Technical Rep
Honorary Fireball (Fleet Boat)
Richard Anderton
Secretary International Rep Dave Wade
01243527545
Becky Partridge Gavin Tilson 01604 592808
07966331325
07816 596512
Nationals
Archivist
Membership Fireball News Co-ordinator
Chris Turner
Sectretary Lesley Scarff Jeremy Hurst
0208 460 2161
Bob Southworth 01273 595253 01258 817567
10 Fry Close Hamble (Please send any historic
results, reports and photos!)
Southampton S031 4PF Webmaster
02380 456977 Technical
Nick Hurst
01730 892662 Representative © 2010 United Kingdom
07775 708381 Richard Wagstaff Fireball Association
Fireball for ever?
Speed has always The Fireball community is a friendly family of sailors who can trust each other. There is no skipper
fascinated man (and like-minded people who enjoy fighting on the water dictating and shouting what needs to be done at
woman). Time and and having fun off it. Since you are reading this, you any given moment. A good crew works together
money have been spent to be the fastest runner, to are probably well aware of what it means to be a part to maintain the balance of the boat, make it fast,
have the fastest horse, or boat, or car or whatever of the fireball sailing community. check the competition, the wind and the water.
can be moved. During the 20th century, one man One Fireball might be a little bit faster than another
constantly tried to be the fastest man on the water. How can a sailing boat have so much success and one but it is really the skill of the crew that makes
His name: Malcolm Campbell. He set the world last for so long? The fact that it could, at the the boat go fast. There are no secrets in a club.
record for “immersed and semi-immersed beginning, be built by anybody who could read Everybody knows what everybody does. Sailors
propeller-driven crafts” four times from 1937 to 1939 blueprints and saw and glue wood was probably help each other with tips and material. Club sailors
(latest record set at 141.74 mph). In the 50s, his a big factor. But once the fun of putting the boat are, in my mind, the key to the success story of a
son, Donald Campbell, turned to jet propelled boats together was over, it was the joy one could great boat. In the UK, you have wonderful clubs with
and asked the engineer company of Norris Brothers experience while flying over the waves which active members. They encourage newcomers to
(Ken and Lewis) to design the Bluebird K7. This boat become the main reason people kept sailing their join the fleet. It is always a pleasure, at a major
was so fast that he ultimately sets 7 worlds records fireballs. All around the world, groups of people built championship, to see groups wearing the same
between 1955 (202.32 mph) and 1964 (276.33 mph). and sailed their Fireballs, talked together about the t-shirts, proudly flying the colours of their club. It
The team formed by Norris Brothers and Donald improvements they made within the limits of the shows that the Fireball lives and prospers in your clubs.
Campbell then designed the Bluebird car. In 1964, rules and sailed against each other in their clubs.
Donald Campbell succeeded in setting both a new Today, most boats are built by professionals but New classes have been and will continue to be
World Land Speed Record (403.10 mph) for wheel there are still quite a few wooden boats constructed created, with many fancy bells and whistles, with
driven vehicles and the fastest single run on the in garages by amateurs. The international Fireball wonderful looking sails and great designs. We have
water with the Bluebird K7 attaining the speed sailors meet regularly to compete in continental and seen them come and slowly disappear because they
of 276.33 mph. intercontinental races. weren’t really fancied by their sailors. It is thanks
to you, dear Fireball sailors at club level, that the
At this time, Norris Brothers was employing a young Fireball International is the organization representing creation of Peter Milne keeps going strong and
engineer named Peter Milne. It is not clear if Peter the world wide Fireball community. Its members provides so much pleasure to so many people.
ever worked on the Bluebirds. What is certain is that are the national associations of Fireball sailors called
he designed some 40 sailing boats during his life NCA (National Class Association). The triangle formed We, at Fireball International, will keep trying to
(1934 – 2008). In 1962, he built the prototype of our by the sailors, the NCAs and FI is strong because its organize exciting championships in attractive
boat, the Fireball and showed it to Bill Smart, the base is quite wide. Fireball sailors (past and presents) locations. But no matter how great those events
editor of Yachts and Yachting, who was so impressed, love the boat even if they don’t regularly go out on will turn out to be and how many sponsors they
that he asked him to become assistant editor of the water. I have been surprised by the amount will attract, I am convinced that they are only the
the magazine. Since 1962, more than 15’000 of people who, once they learn that I am the FI showcases of the class. In my mind, there is no
Fireballs have been built all around the world. Commodore: say “I sailed this boat when I was discussion: The future of Fireball lies within the clubs.
The International Fireball can be built by dedicated younger. It was great”.
amateurs as well as by professional boats builders. Fireball For Ever!
It is fast on the water, easy to launch and a lot of I am convinced that the people sailing Fireballs are
fun to sail. special people. The Fireball requires a crew of two François Schluchter
6

6. Barbados
FIREBALL WORLDS 2010
a warm welcome, white sand, clear water, fantastic
sailing and rum punch. what more could you want!
Images by Fotoboat.com
5

7. The leaderboard was filled with teams from Barbados to kick off the 2010 championship regatta. top three spots in individual races with Australian
Great Britain on day 1 of the 2010 Fireball World Winds peaked at 22 knots during the end of Race 1 boats claiming 2nd and 3rd in Race 6.
Championships. Chips Howarth and Vyv Townend and the start of Race 2, with sunny skies and warm
were first in Race 1, while their compatriots Matt temperatures both in and out of the water. Chips Howarth & Vyv Townend won both races,
Findlay and Richard Anderton won Race 2. In fact, and won the Fireball World Championships for the
British teams held down the top 7 spots in Race 1. Chips Howarth and Vyv Townend continued to second year running. There were still two races
lead the 2010 Fireball Worlds after day 2 of racing. scheduled to be sailed on Friday, but Chips and Vyv
As of Race 2, Chips Howarth and Vyv Townend were Matt Burge and Richard Wagstaff were 2nd place, were so commanding in their performance that it
1st, Matt Burge and Richard Wagstaff 2nd, while David Wade and Tim Saunders climbed up was impossible for any other boats to catch them.
and Matt Findlay and Richard Anderton 3rd. the rankings to sit in 3rd. Of the eight races sailed, the British duo won six of
them, finishing third in the other two.
Even with a deep field of accomplished entries Barbados served up another beautiful sailing day
from 15 countries including a number of past world with sunny skies and warm winds. Two races were Two races were sailed on Friday under sunny
champions, Matt Findlay was not surprised at the held in shifty conditions with breeze ranging from skies and winds starting at 14 knots for Race 7,
strength of the British entries: 13 – 18 knots. diminishing to 12 knots for Race 8. After 8 races,
Matt Burge and Richard Wagstaff were in 2nd place,
Lighter winds made no difference to Chips Howarth and Matt Findlay and Richard Anderton in 3rd.
“We have a lot of very and Vyv Townend as they continued to dominate
on day 3. Two races were held off Carlisle Bay. There On the final day of the Worlds the race was on for
good teams from the UK. were a few small showers and otherwise mostly 2nd and 3rd place, and several teams were in the
sunny skies with winds at 12-14 knots throughout running to reach the remaining podium spots.
We love to sail in the breeze. the day.
One race was held, under sunny skies and winds
If it’s sunny and not Fellow Brits, Matt Findlay and Richard Anderton kept ranging from 14 to 18 knots. It took five attempts,
it a closer finish for Race 5 battling through to the three of them under a black flag, before the fleet
much wind, we don’t go finish with Howarth and Townend, but then Chips finally got off to a clean start. With a delay in the
and Vyv pulled away from the fleet to finish well day’s first race, it was not possible to start a tenth
out. If it’s windy, we love ahead in Race 6. and final race for the series since the start time limit
had expired.
to go out and sail.” After 6 races, Matt Burge and Richard Wagstaff
were in 2nd place, followed by Matt Findlay and In the end, nine races were completed for the year’s
Richard Anderton Boats with sail numbers not championship, allowing the competitors to discard
Evidently, the training in breezy conditions pays off. starting with GBR had still not managed to crack the their worst 2 races from the score sheet.
Competitors enjoyed another picture perfect day in overall podium, but they are starting to reach the
Fireball International Week
Chips Howarth & Vyv Townend won the 2010 today after leading the regatta, and ended up in
The Turnout for GBR in the 2010
Fireball International Week regatta with 2 first 2nd place, while Kevin Hope and Russell Thorne Fireball World Championships was
place finishes on the final day of racing. took 3rd place. In fourth were David Wade and
Chips described the racing as picture perfect Tim Saunders. In fifth place Ben Shulz and Phillip fantastic and a further 20 Brits
conditions – a strong breeze, warm water, nice Bowley from Australia. finished in the following positions
waves, sunshine, and enough shifts to make the
racing tactically challenging. The wind and seas were a joy for competitors
16th 14941-DERIAN SCOTT & ANDY SCOTT
to sail in, with wind strength at 18 – 20 knots.
Boats from Great Britain took all three spots In total 60 boats took part in International 18th 14628-SIMON LOMAS-CLARKE & TIM RILEY
on the podium, plus fourth place, to completely Week as a warm up to the 2010 Fireball 20th 14949-MIKE SENIOR & ANDY THOMPSON
dominate the first week of racing. David Edwards World Championships. 23rd 14791-ANDREW PEARCE & STEVE CHESNEY
& Simon Potts were narrowly edged out of first
24th 14805-MARK MASKELL & CHRIS PROFFITT
25th 15004-PETER GRAY & ROBIN TOOZS-HOBSON
Top 15 in the Fireball World Championships 2010 29th 14982-MARTIN SCARTH & TONY KING
32nd 14682-JONATHAN CARTER & GARETH WILKINSON
Pos Nat Sail No Helm Crew Pts
33rd 14864-IAN KELLY & PETER ELVER
1st GBR 15013 CHIPS HOWARTH VYV TOWNEND 9 43rd 14789-RHYS LANKESTER & BARRY SMITH
2nd GBR 15036 MATT BURGE RICHARD WAGSTAFF 23
3rd GBR 14924 DAVID EDWARDS SIMON POTTS 27 44th 14798-MARIA RICHARDS & GRAHAM HOY
4th GBR 15031 MATT FINDLAY RICHARD ANDERTON 29 48th 14755-DAVID RYDER & MICHELLE RYDER
5th AUS 15027 BEN SCHULZ PHILLIP BOWLEY 36 51st 14964-MATT GREENFIELD & LUCY FOULDS
6th GBR 15032 DAVID WADE TIM SAUNDERS 39
53rd 14821-NICK HURST & ALEX DOWNING
7th AUS 15025 ROBIN INNS JOEL COULTAS 39
8th GBR 14807 TIM RUSH RUSS CLARK 48 54th 14873-STEVE PATTEN & BRIAN ALDGATE
9th CZE 15019 MARTIN KUBOVY MILAN CAP 56 58th 14556-DEBBIE KIRKBY & PAUL DOWNING
10th GBR 14950 KEVIN HOPE RUSSELL THORNE 60 59th 15038-STEWART SCARFF & LESLEY SCARFF
11th GBR 15020 VINCE HOREY SAM BREAREY 67
12th AUS 15026 PETER INNS EDWARD ALDER 83 61st 14999-DAVID FESTING & KAREN FESTING
13th GBR 14977 PHILIP POPPLE GAVIN TILLSON 83 63rd 14621-JEREMY HURST & JANE MILLMAN
14th AUS 15011 NATHAN STOCKLEY ALLAN BLENKLE 91 66th 14872-BARBARA NEWSON & GUY NEWSON
15th GBR 14628 SIMON LOMAS-CLARKE TIM RILEY 103
8

8. Barbados My FIRSt WORLDS
by Hannah Showell
Well, my story begins with
an ambition and
goal in life, to sail a dinghy
in a World event.
My choice was made for me when I found out the Fireballs were going to
a faraway place, not in Europe but a bonkers long way away, in that sunny
hot place, where swimming in the same sea as the sailing, live flying fish and
turtles.... Barbados. Yeah! I get to do a Worlds Event, sail a fireball and go to
the Caribbean. Only one slight hesitation and problem was solved... although
I guess I could have gone without a boat or crew just for the crack. So my
learning curve in a Fireball and the fleet started with a German crew, strong
winds and big seas but with warm water, Mount Gay Rum, socials I will never
forget and meeting lots of lovely people.
On reflection, compared to sailing in a lark or a solo my thoughts so far
when in a fireball have been...wow! Fantastic, how stable, no need to hike out!
And Aaaarrrrrhhhh! As the boat takes off with the spinnaker up and the crew
hanging out on a tiny piece of wire, going at ridiculous speeds and having to
wedge yourself under toe straps to keep the boat with a helm. My heart has
been in my throat as I have seen my crew take a mini flying lesson around the
front of the jib or dropped into water like a big fish on a line being dragged
alongside. The fun of being a crew must be endless and the fun the helm has
is priceless. Waves are the best fun. The fireball manages this very well and
seems to be like a glider going through air and very stable. The only bad thing
about a fireball is it doesn’t go dead down wind and you have to know your
angles if you want to reach to reach!
Since sailing in the Worlds, I have sailed in Ireland, at an amazing place
called Dunmore East, the Nationals at Falmouth and the Inlands at Draycote,
as well as some opens. All nationalities of fireballer’s I have met (so far) have
been hospitable and very forthcoming with their knowledge and tips to help
with a crisis or trimming advice.
I would like to say thanks to Andrew, the fireball website, Martina Michels
(my Barbadian crew and forever friend), the Irish Fireballer’s for making me
laugh and making me dance, and all the assistance I had with my very heavily
packed suitcase in and out of Barbados.
7

9. Sligo FIREBALL WORLDS 2011
International Week 11th - 17th June
World Championships 18th - 24th June
Following consultations with Sligo Yacht Club, and the
iamge by ob2photography.com
The number of races scheduled are: International
Week Championship - 8 races (2 per day) . World
Championship - 10 races(2 per day). One extra race per
day may be sailed if races are not completed as s
Irish Fireball Class Association, Fireball International cheduled. (On the last day of the World Championship
has awarded the 2011 Worlds and International Week no warning signal will be made after 14.00.)
to the west coast Club and the Irish Fireball Class As-
sociation. The awarding of the event is in Boats are expected to travel from Europe, Canada,
recognition of the local class association’s commitment Australia and possibly South Africa. The Irish fleet, al-
to the Worlds in other locations across the World. ready committed travellers on the international circuit,
are also expected to feature strongly on the entry list.
Proposed Schedule
International Championship Ireland (National Yacht Club) hosted the 1995 World
Measurement & Registration Championship, which was won by John Lavery and
Saturday 11th June - 09:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 - 18:00 David O’Brien and the 2000 European Championships
Sunday 12th June - 09:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 - 18:00 were sailed in Skerries.
19:30 Opening Ceremony Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty on
Monday 13th June - 13:00 Races the north-western Atlantic coastline, Sligo Yacht Club
Tuesday 14th June - 13:00 Races is a fantastic venue at which to hold an event of this
Wednesday 15th June - Lay Day type. The sailing area offers the prospect of good
Thursday 16th June - 13:00 Races breezes and nice wave conditions for big fleet racing.
Friday 17th June - 13:00 Races A brand new clubhouse and extended slips were
brought on stream for the GP 14 Worlds, which
World Championship were hosted by the club in 2006. There is also access
Measurement & Registration available to undercover facilities for the weighing and
Sunday 19th June - 09:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 - 18:00 measuring of boats. Despite its west coast location,
19:30 Opening Ceremony Sligo can be easily accessed within a day from all Irish
Monday 20th June - 13:00 Races ferry ports and airports so trailing the boat to the
Tuesday 21st June - 13:00 Races event is a viable option for entries from Ireland, the UK
Wednesday 22nd June - Lay Day and the western fringes of mainland Europe. Air travel
Thursday 23rd June - 13:00 Races would be through Dublin and Sligo or Knock Airports.
Friday 24th June - 13:00 Races & 19:30 - Prize Giving
Further Information: More information and the notice of race are available at Sligo Yacht
Club’s website is www.sligoyachtclub.org
A wide range of accommodation is available nearby.
Check the website www.Fireball-Worlds.com Contact Details:
Class Chairman: Cormac Bradley 086 814 3618.
Fireball International Andrew Davies Prospect House Pickhill, Thirsk Commodore Sligo Yacht Club: Brendan McCormack 087 915 2371
North Yorkshire Y07 4JG UK Sligo YC, Deadmans Point, Rosses Point, Co.Sligo. Ireland
E-mail: Skype :+44 (0) 1845 567 064 Andrew.davies@fireball.onyxnet.co.uk Club office: +353719177168
10

10. take another look at the fireball website!
Registered users have access
to a great range of services: you can post adverts,
take part in forum discussions,
join the mailing list to keep up with
all things Fireball.
There’s also loads of useful information on the site,
from club information to technical,
rigging and tuning guides, information about
future open meetings, National, European and
World Championships, reports and results
from past events large and small.
The new class website Whilst not all of those boats are still in “Your class
www.fireballsailing.org.uk has now existence, our target is to get 1000 or so
on the register. The challenge is set. Fleet association can only
been running for about years and captains can be a great help in this. All
the Fireball register has been set you have to do is encourage every Fireball
provide what you want
up to record details about as many owner in your club to register their boat. if you tell us.
Fireballs as we can find. Whilst
the whereabouts of many recent It takes about two minutes, costs nothing
and there’s no catch! Post flyers to them all Please register if you
boats are known older Fireballs or copy this article for your club newsletter.
Nick Hurst may have changed hands a few It’s really important that people register haven’t already done so
Webmaster times over the years and sadly not their boats otherwise we can’t contact new
and tell us about your
all now survive. Already Fireballs owners when boats are sold on.
from number 6 to 15000+ can be boat.
So if you own a Fireball then now is
found on the register. We know the time to register. To do so simply visit
there are many, many boats out http://www.fireballsailing.org.uk/register/ If you have questions
there. Help us to find them and boat_register.php and follow the
fill in the gaps! instructions. Its really easy and only takes or suggestions, please
a couple of minutes. By registering on the
site you also have the option to join the
let me know by email to
Many of you have already taken time
to register, so thank-you for that. We mailing list to keep up with all things Webmaster@Fireball-
have about 700 users and 340 Fireballs Fireball and get updates on how the
registered, but with over 15000 boats built register progresses. The boat register even sailing.org.uk.”
and the huge majority of these in the UK includes the ability to store a photo of your
there’s a bit of a shortfall! pride & joy, under sail or sitting pretty in There’s loads of useful information on the
the boat park. You choose! site, from clubs where Fireballs are sailed,
to technical, rigging and tuning guides,
Registered users also have access to the information about future open meetings,
full range of web services: the ability National, European and World Champion
to post adverts, whether you want to buy ships, reports and results from past
or sell, from boats to odds and ends. You events large and small. The discussion
will also be able to take part in forum forum where (almost) anything goes, the
discussions – providing feedback on events, classifieds for buying and selling all things
maybe, asking questions or answering Fireball. We’re in the process of building
those posted by others. Registration allows an archive of older material so if you have
UKFA - with your opt-in - to send email anything which might be of use or ideas
notices and reports from important events, and suggestions, please get in touch. Don’t
such as the fabulous 2011 calendar of forget the gallery where you can find pho-
photos from the Barbados Worlds by Tom tos of Fireballs old and new, fast & faster, at
Gruitt of Fotoboat. home and away.
If your club has an event this winter
To register simply visit http://www.fireballsailing.org.uk/register/boat_register. which is even remotely connected to
php and follow the instructions. Its really easy and only takes a couple of minutes. Fireballs I want to know so I can tell the
wider Fireball community.
9 www.fireballsailing.org.uk

11. Do you want to see
YOU CAN ALSO an improving Fireball
KEEP UP WITH ALL Class in the UK?
If your answer is yes than now
THINGS FIREBALL more than ever is the time to get involved!
AT THE FOLLOWING: A volunteer run class such as the Fireball can only function with the support of its
members. We have exciting plans for the class over the next few years, but it is vital
we secure your help to put them into action. We are currently looking to complete
our line up on the Fireball Committee and begin to really build some momentum
as a class. It’s really important that people come forward to fill these positions so that
we can provide a better Fireballing experience for everyone. Your hard work will
make a difference!
You won’t be expected to attend hundreds of meetings and not all the roles need to
be classified as a full committee position, we have no particular hard and fast rules.
What you will be able to do is contribute in area where you have particular experience
or an interest in or where you think the class association needs to improve what it
offers. Below is a very brief summary of the each of the roles. Some could be
combined and we are flexible about this. It is likely we will end up with a series of
teams of people who report to the committee. Training/Racing, Nationals/Socials,
Communications/Media etc.
If you are interested please speak to any member of the
committee or please contact me directly at:
chairman@fireballsailing.org.uk
http://www.facebook.com/UKFireballClass or by phone on 07966 298477/0115 846 9205
many thanks
Tim Saunders - Chairman UKFA
Publicity/External Officer
A really important and fun role. Your job is to; keep the class in the sailing media,
to Coordinate event reports and contribute event previews, liaise with FI over
reporting for International events, organise photographers and video coverage
of key events.
Fireball News Reporters
A new magazine means that we need more content! So we will be looking for
people to contribute on a regular or one off basis. This could be as simple as sending
an embarrassing photo of your mate or providing some thoughts on a event.
Sponsorship Co-ordinator
Your role would be to help attract and maintain sponsorship to the class for the open
meeting circuit and the national championships and other events. The results of your
work will be will visible for all to see!
Social Secretary
http://www.youtube.com/user/SailFireball Do you have a special talent for causing chaos. If the answer is yes, then you will
be perfect for the role. Liaising with Nationals Co-ordinator and open meeting
co-ordinator to organise social events at events. We are also looking for regular
Nationals attendees who might be able to run one of the evening social at the Nationals.
Classic Fleet Representative
Be the voice of the Classic Fireballers and help provide events that meet their needs.
Assist with website content specific to the needs of Classic Fireball Sailors.
Regional Fleet Representatives
Even in the current age of up to the minute digital communications its important
to have people on the ground around the country. Regional representatives will
assist with organising regional racing and training events in conjunction with the
Open Meeting - Coordinator and Training officer. Supporting and developing club
fleets. We are particularly interested in having people involved who are based in
the: South West, Wales, and Scotland to represent people in those areas.
http://twitter.com/#!/ukfireball 2012 Worlds Liaison
Liaise with the Australian Fireball Association and Fireball International.
Organise UK Containers for 2012 Worlds in Mandurah, Western Australia.
12

12. Lets get technical . . .
Simon Potts presents the Latest update from Allen Brothers.
Well known fireballer Simon Potts is now working for Allen Brothers. Simon was most recently seen
crewing for DJ Edwards in Barbados and La Rochelle. Simon Introduces some of Allens’ latest innovations
designed for the Fireball.
A2026M high load carrying turning block
This block is not quite what it looks at first site. Although functionally
similar to other 20mm turning blocks, the axle is stainless steel turned to
produce an upside down mushroom shape. There are two major
advantages to this over other designs.
Firstly, the solid axle means you can tighten the fixing down very positively
without distorting the bearings. Secondly, the wide mushroom base (which is
hidden behind the base moulding) gives a very wide load carrying footprint
preventing any angular loads from capsizing the block.
A new boat from new moulds
Fireball News from Weathermark Sailboats
Dave Hall will be a name familiar As an old hand in the Fireball, Dave has put his
years of experience and thoughts into the hull,
to those sailors that have sat at the deck and internal design.
back of their Fireball longer than
they can remember. Dave sailed The hull whilst being the current ‘wide bow’
Fireballs back in the mid 80s to the thinking has a slightly more vee’d entry making
the boat kinder through the water, the water line
late 90s while at Hyde Sails. length has also been maximised. The aft rocker is
Since then Dave was at Ovington Boats sailing as flat as the rules permit.
all sorts of boats and skiffs until the beginning of
this year when he needed a change and set up Inside, the forward part of the centreboard case
Weathermark Sailboats. will be a low as practical to save those shins, the
substantial jib bars will go from the front of the
The Fireball has always been his passion and his case to the side tanks in line with the shrouds
enthusiasm was re-ignited 2 years ago after he forming a rigid frame and negating the need for The new mould
bought the famous Delange that beat him at the an extra bulkhead.
89 worlds. Dave decided he needed a new boat
and after being at Ovi Boats for 12 years would The centre board case rises after the thwart onto
do it himself. This led to conversations with Fireball a flat table to allow owners a free hand in the way
International who he discovered were keen for they like their controls.
another builder to provide more exposure and
promotion for the class. The deck has been made functional as well and
aesthetically pleasing. The aft tank has the recess
So new moulds have been made and the first for the spinnaker sheets and the coming is de-
boat should be ready for Dave to sail in November. signed for function and comfort without looking
After testing, 2 new boats will be built – one for a too imposing. The foredeck comes back just far
customer and one to be at the Dinghy Show enough to add extra strength and rigidity to the
in March. mast area without fouling the kicker.
Both hull and deck moulds have been made to
enable them to be laminated using the ‘Infusion’
You can contact Dave for the latest method which requires a wide flange to attach
up dates and prices. and seal the vacuum bag. A large oven has been
constructed to post cure the hull and deck, Picture of the deck mould being prepared
E mail internal and construction details are under for the infusion system
dave@weathermarksailboats.com wraps at the moment but look out for some
mobile 07802 611599 very different thinking!
By Dave Hall
15

13. Fireball bespoke jib car
Investment in the latest software by Allen Fittings means that they can design small volume bespoke cars for various
applications. In this case ... they asked Simon Potts if it was possible to produce a car specific for the Fireball Jib system.
This means that you don’t have to take a standard car and retro-fit other components to the basic body. It’s already done!
The geometry also means that the system has full articulation from inboard to outboard.
Double control mainsheet swivel
Launched at METS this November, the family of aluminium mainsheet swivels have
been given a complete overhaul. A company decision to produce higher quality
products for discerning customers this range, along with many others, has had
a complete new bearing system added to a rope snag proof under cleat mounting.
It has produced what is probably a market leading product. The cleat now has almost
no movement either up and down or backwards and forwards. It just swivels
effortlessly. Take a look and you might be impressed!
Resurrecting
The picture was taken during the IYRU Single-handed trials in, I believe, 1965
and around the time the trapeze was introduced. Bill was a founding father of
the class and a real driving force behind Fireball’s exponential growth during the
1960s and early 1970s. Before their Fireball days Bill and his wife, Rosie, were
the Past
well known Hornet sailors – perhaps the reason why he was experimenting with
the sliding seat.
Now that you’ve read this far I’ll broach the subject of UKFA’s historic results
records. Let’s just say they’re not the best!
For a little while now, Tim Saunders has been building (re-building may be
a more appropriate word) the association’s championship records. Potentially,
it is quite a big task and he has asked me to lend a hand. In turn, I would like
to enlist the assistance of the UKFA membership.
I am about to commence a trawl through past copies of Fireball News and
International Fireball to populate the ‘Results’ section of the website as far as
I can. No doubt gaps will emerge and I will try to fill those on a piecemeal basis.
I can’t promise that everything sent will be posted but it will certainly
be retained for future information!
Meanwhile I will be delighted to hear
from members who have copies
of old championship reports,
articles on Fireball and photographs
of interest since I plan to broaden
Hopefully this photo will grab your attention!
the scope of the records section.
It shows Bill Kempner, Fireball Association’s first
Some of you may have noticed a new UKFA e-mail address on the Committee Secretary, sailing a Fireball single handed... and with
page entitled ‘Archivist’. Messages sent using that address will end up with me the benefit of a sliding seat.
but please feel free to e-mail me direct (preferably with attached scans
of photos, reports etc!) on cdwt9538@btinternet.com.
email Chris direct (preferably with attached scans
I think I always knew I’d regret throwing away so much Fireball of photos, reports etc!) on cdwt9538@btinternet.
stuff 20 years ago… com.
By Chris Turner Or use the link on the Fireball website .
Fireballs 6 & 66
16

14. Image by Fotoboat.com
Restronguet FIREBALL NAtIONALS 2010
Sponsored by: Harken, GUL, Peak Dinghy Spares, Rooster Sailing, Animal, Pinnell and Bax and North Sails
Dave Wade and Ben McGrane in from Burge and Wagstaff and Sam Mettam & Richard
Anderton. Race 4 (the Contac Trophy) saw Becky Priest and
‘Sleep Terrorist’ claim their second Tim Saunders lead for much of the race with Dave Wade
nationals title on final day of racing. and Ben McGrane only taking the lead on the final leg of the
course. Behind there were lots of place changes as a number
Saturday saw the arrival of competitors at Restronguet of leading boats went for a swim at some stage, as the shifty
Sailing Club for what looked like being a windy week’s racing. conditions made the reaches tight on occasions. Lewis and
Registration and measurement checks were completed Byne were again consistent with a 3rd. This was definitely
with the last competitors arriving on the ferry from the a two pasty day with many a hungry competitor seen
French Nationals, which had been held the week before. chomping at the galley after sailing. There were some
In the evening an excellent spread was laid on for the tired looking people at Monday evening’s AGM, where
Commodore’s reception at RSC. presentations about the forthcoming 2010 Europeans and
the 2011 Nationals were delivered.
Sunday dawned with little wind to speak of. After
a postponement, it was decided to race in the Carrick Roads Tuesday was another day of excellent racing in Falmouth
as this was where the most wind was to be found. The wind bay. Race 5 ( the Rondar trophy) saw Mettam and Anderton
eventually filled in allowing two races (for the Norris Fireball charge off with Wade and McGrane in close pursuit to finish
Trophy and the Hunstanton Town Salver) to be held and in that order with Burge and Wagstaff keeping the pressure
some very tight racing took place. Martyn Lewis and Richard on with a 3rd. Race 6 ( the Peter Milne Trophy) saw Wade
Byne, who were sailing this year in a borrowed boat, were and McGrane score another win and take the lead into the
the stars of the day posting two bullets in the tidal and shifty layday. Vince Horey and Sam Breary took 2nd.
conditions. Reigning champions Matt Burge and Richard
Wagstaff also had an excellent day posting two seconds. Tuesday evening was time for the boat trip along the River
Fal and around Carrick Roads with a stop a St. Mawes for
With the course set as a sausage triangle for the first day, food and further refreshments. With no need to get up
racing was very tight particularly on the first lap with lots for racing the next days some competitors were looking
of place changes. Sunday night was buddy night with decidedly relaxed by the end of the evening as they
competitors paired up throughout the fleet, so that persuaded the Ferry to drop them in Falmouth for a night out.
everyone has an expert on hand to help out. Buddy Night
speed dating then went in to overdrive with a little Wednesday was the layday, many competitors took the
competition to find out who had undertaken a variety of sins opportunity to see the original Fireball which is currently
such as have you ever had sailing a miracle or have you ever on display at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth.
lied in a protest to protect a friend? hmmm. Not quite as many fittings on it as a modern Fireball!
Monday brought a complete change of conditions. A strong Thursday. Race 7 (The Yachts and Yachting Trophy) was held
westerly was blowing in but with the racing held in Falmouth in Falmouth bay in marginal trapezing conditions. Wade won
Bay close in, the sea conditions were very manageable. from Lewis, with Russ and Ali Cormack 3rd. An attempt was
Two windy races were held with the wind reaching 28 knots made to start the 8th race of the series but the wind died
during the 2nd race of the day. Lewis and Byne took the before a clean start could be made, but not before some
early lead in race 3 (the Chippendale Hull) but eventually controversy over who was black flagged and who wasn’t.
fell back to 4th, with Dave Wade and Ben McGrane winning Friday saw 3 races out in Falmouth Bay, making for a long
11 Image by Fotoboat.com

15. Restronguet Nationals Results and Gear Guide
Top Ten at Restronguet Nationals
Pos Sail No Boat Name Helm Crew Club Pts
1 15045 Sleep terroist David Wade Ben McGrane Northampton 14
2 14994 Martyn Lewis Richard Byne Draycote Water 23
3 15036 Kevlar Footprint Matt Burge Richard Wagstaff Poole 23
4 15020 Winston/Gill Race Team Vince Horey Sam Bearey King George 28
5 15031 Sam Mettam Richard Anderton RNSA 34
6 14954 The New Bossy Becky Priest Tim Saunders Staunton Harold 60
7 14807 Older Better Faster Stronger Tim Rush Russell Thorne RYA 60
8 14917 Originelles Remy Thuillier Loic Berthelot LS Vigneux 67
9 14837 Russ Cormack Ali Cormack Budworth 78
10 14977 JRNee Too Philip Popple Gavin Tillson Shoreham 78
Gear Guides
Pos Helm Crew Mast Boom Spinaker Main Jib Spinaker Rudder Centre Hull
Pole Board
1st Dave Wade(72kg) Ben McGrane(78kg) Seldén Seldén Seldén P&B P&B P&B Winder Winder Winder
2nd Martyn Lewis(78kg) Richard Byne(80kg) Seldén Seldén Super Spars North Sails North Sails North Sails Winder Winder Winder
5th Sam Mettam(59kg) Richard Anderton(88kg) Seldén Seldén Seldén North Sails North Sails North Sails Winder Winder Winder
6th Becky Priest(68kg) Tim Saunders(90kg) Seldén Seldén Seldén P&B P&B P&B Winder Winder Winder
8th Remy Thuillier(65kg) Loic Berthelot(80kg) Super Spars Super Spars Super Spars North Sails North Sails North Sails Duvoisin Duvoisin Duvoisin
10th Phil Popple(75kg) Gavin Tillson(90kg) Super Spars Super Spars Seldén North Sails North Sails North Sails Winder Redneck Winder
Racing
day on the water. The relative extremes of weather had disappeared.
The wind built throughout the day from marginal trapezing in race
8 to planing upwind on the sail in. Wade and McGrane were leading
going into the final day and they were the most consistent boat again
winning the final race (The Stanstead Abbotts Trophy) to secure the
title ahead of Martyn Lewis and Richard Byne ahead of the 2009
Champions Matt Burge and Richard Wagstaff (who won the 9th race
for the Fat Harry White Trophy).
Vince Horey and Sam Breary had a solid final day with a 1
(Anya Charlotte Trophy), 3, 2 securing 4th place overall, with Sam
Mettam and Richard Anderton in 5th. Becky Priest crewed by Tim
Saunders claimed 6th overall and first lady helm. 7th Overall and
wheelchair trophy winner (over 50 helm) was Tim Rush with Russell
Thorne (1st over 50 crew).
There were lots of potential winners of the unluckiest competitor of
the week competition. Plenty of boats broke masts - but one mishap
wasn’t really enough with two days of windy conditions testing the
quality of boat preparation to the limit. Niki Birrell and Bevis Field
somehow managed to break everything but their mast. Slot Gasket,
various sheets, fittings all broke, helm and crew were intact though!
As always with the Fireball it was a case of ‘If you can sail anything in
these conditions, you can sail a Fireball.’ This spirit is rewarded with
the typhoon perservence trophy for the last placed boat to complete
all the races. This year son and father team of Peter and Richard
Clayton from Scaling Dam were the winners. Silver Fleet winners
were lightweight pairing of the Willcocks brothers who were
competitive across the wind range despite their lightweight status.
They also took home the Brixham Trophy. Bronze Fleet winners
were the David and Michelle Ryder from Blackwater Sailing club.
1st Lady crew went to outgoing class secretary Ali Cormack.
Thanks go to the host club Restronguet
Sailing Club and to the event sponsors
for supporting a great event.
By Tim Saunders. Images courtesy of Photolounge.co.uk
Image by Fotoboat.com 12

16. Restronguet FIRSt tIMERS NAtIONALS!
By Rebecca Partridge (with input from Lucy Alice Hoyte)
Being new to the Fireball circuit I was extremely excited about
the 2010 nationals to see if the competition lived up to its
fervent reputation! This is the brief and hopefully compelling
story of how a first time Fireball national’s team got on.
Preparation
The campaign started slightly off tune when I discovered my usual crew, Geoff,
could not attend. Fortunately at this year’s Abersoch Week I bumped into fellow
university friend, Lucy who was crewing a fireball that week for the first time.
With much persuasion from Ali Cormack we decided that we should compete in
Restronguet. Being an exceptionally light combination at just 106kg and highly
inexperienced in the class our aim was to have fun and to pray for light winds
every day.
After an extremely welcoming reception from Restronguet Sailing Club we
set about rigging up for the week, starting off with a good old polishing session.
Despite many comments from several hilarious members of the class that we
were perhaps a little keen we were thanking god that we had turned the boat
over as we discovered a very definite hole in the bottom. Having a very
basic knowledge of how to overcome such an issue, which mainly comprised
of duct taping it up, we questioned many occupants of the dinghy park for advice.
We found our saviours in Vince Horey and John Piatt who fixed it for the small
price of a cup of tea. Thank you very much men!
The well-advertised boat trip up the river on Tuesday evening was a sure way
to get our spirits up. Not only was it a great chance to get to know other
competitors and pick up a few tips, but also a chance to experience the Falmouth
“night life” which has something to be desired! Wednesdays lay day was wet,
windy and foggy and, thankful that we weren’t sailing, we took to the streets of
Falmouth to bolster the economy with a bit of window shopping bumping into
many Fireball families on the way.
On day five the wind had blown itself out and was refusing to give us much to
play with at all. Although this was a positive matter for us, as it was exactly what
we needed to shed some of our points, several general recalls preceeded the first
and only race of the day and several more followed so no more races were
possible. The final day arrived with the question of whether we would be able
to get 3 races in. Not only was it nerve racking as the wind was freshening as
we sailed out and we wondering if we should remain on 22”6 or not but I had
woken up with a very swollen eye that was rather uncomfortable. In between the
next races we juggled with the question of whether we should adjust our rake as
Racing and Socialising the wind decreased and then increased heavily, tipping fresh water into my eye
which, by now, was becoming unbearable. By the time the third race came I was
Day one and our prayers had been answered – light winds! We made the most sailing blind. Desperate not to get a DNF Lucy urged me not to retire and assured
of this weather, actually being able to have our rake on a similar setting to other me she could talk me round the course. Amazingly we still managed to come
teams and not being stupidly overpowered, however Lucy was often the first about mid-fleet in that race but the tow home was incredibly welcome. Leaving
out on the wire while most other crews were sat to leeward. Being that it was Luce to pack up the boat I was rushed to minor injuries where I was told I had
our first time sailing together we were happy to get a 14th and a 5th to kick a corneal abrasion affecting a quarter of my iris and was given aesthetic, an eye
start the week. patch and eye drops. Just back in time for the wonderful array of curry’s being
served that night, the prize giving was worth it.
Like many first time campaigns however not everything went entirely to plan.
Days two and three presented us with winds on the other end of the scale The End Of It All
blowing from 25 to 28 knots. Braving it to the racing area, and even a fair way Having started the week with a hole in the boat and collecting a few mishaps
into the starting sequence on one occasion, was all we could do. Despite having through the week we thought our misfortune was over. Oh no, as we loaded our
a heavy wind set up on the rig that looked extreme compared to other boats, boat on to the trailer, there, low and behold, were two blisters the size of tennis
our 21”11 rake meant the boom lay much lower and touched the water sooner. balls on one of the wheels. Luckily, being the organised keen beans that we were
Needless to say the set up was not forgiving of any cowboy gybes that we we had a spare!
attempted. Having to present a bow of defeat to the wind we sailed precariously
in on the second day past many upturned boats that made Mylor Harbour look Despite the wind not playing into our hands and the few issues with our boat
like a Fireball grave yard. On the third day we were forced to tie up on the com- we had an absolutely fantastic week. The class is so friendly and everything was
mittee boat where we were able to watch some fantastic racing and were looked organised brilliantly. The socials that were held every evening were fantastic for
after very well. We were especially thankful for the cups of tea and coffee that bringing everyone together and the competition in the fleet really does live up to
kept us warm – Thank you committee team. all expectations. We found the class to be very helpful and encouraging to sailors
of all abilities. Thank you!
13

17. Pentewan Sands FIREBALL NAtIONALS 2011
Pentewan Sands SC 20th - 27th August 2011Au
The 2011 National Championships will be held at Pentewan Sands Sailing Club
in Cornwall. This is an exciting new venue for the class which should combine
a great family holiday venue with an easily accessed large south east facing bay
for excellent racing. The sailing club are no strangers to hosting large events,
having run national and international championships for many of the big cat
classes in the recent past, as well as hosting the Fireflies back in 1999.
The Notice of Race for the event, along with entry fees, will be on the website
shortly. We will also be offering an “early bird” extra discount for anyone who
enters before the 31st March 2011. If you’ve booked your accommodation by
then, why not get yourself a substantial discount on the entry fee by entering
too. Even if you don’t know who you’ll be sailing with, that’s fine – unlike budget
airlines, you can change the name of either helm or crew up to the start date of
the event at no extra cost.
Proposed Schedule
Friday 19th Bar Open Evening
Saturday 20th Registration and Measurement
Commodore’s reception at PSSC
Sunday 21st 2 races Buddy Night at PSSC
Monday 22nd 2 races UKFA AGM at PSSC
Tuesday 23rd 2 races Party Night at PSSC
Wednesday 24th Lay day
Thursday 25th 2 races Beach Games
Friday 26th 2 races Supper followed by the Prizegiving and Party!
To find out more visit
www.fireballnationals.org.uk
18