Restronguet’s strong local fleet were joined by boats from as far afield as Kent for the Firefly South Western Championships 24th-26th May. Fortunately the forecast didn’t materialise on Saturday, and two races were held in a rainless gentle 0-10 knots. Nigel Wakefield and Emily Saunderson mastered the conditions in race one and took line honours. Mark Tait and Sally Wakefield sailed through to second on the last beat. In the second race Barny Smith and Allanah Willoughby stole the lead from Wakefield/Saunderson on the last beat.
Three races were held on the Sunday. Tait/Wakefield won the first from Wakefield/Saunderson, ahead of the local veterans, the Langdons. Another race was sailed after lunch in stronger breeze. Tait/Wakefield won again from Smith/Willoughby, followed by the Hudsons. In Sunday’s final race Tait/Wakefield established a good lead, but were ground down by Wakefield/Saunderson and the Hudsons on the run, to eventually finish third.
The gales and rain arrived for the two Monday races. Wakefield/Saunderson and Tait/Wakefield were contesting the event, whilst Smith/Willoughby held a narrow lead over the Hudsons for third overall. The Hudsons beat Smith/Willoughby twice which was enough to steal third overall. Tait/Wakefield stormed off to safe lead and win in Monday’s first race, Wakefield/Saunderson finished second to remain in contention on equal points. In the final race Tait/Wakefield took the lead early on the first beat and looked safe. Wakefield/Saunderson chased them down for three laps, before making the pass on the final beat. The Firefly class would like to thank Restronguet Sailing Club for hosting a fantastic event.
Results
1st, Nigel Wakefield, Emily Saunderson, Flo, Wessex Exiles, 10pnts
2nd, Mark Tait, Sally Wakefield, Dido, Burghfield SC, 11pnts
3rd, Stuart Hudson, Jane Hudson, Fursty Ferret, 20pnts
4th, Barny Smith, Allanah Willoughby, Fourwood Thinking, Hamble River SC, 23 pnts
5th, Andy Palmer-Felgate, Liz Palmer-Felgate, Burghfield SC, 31 pnts
Single Handed Championship
The Firefly National Single Handed Championship was held at Restronguet Sailing Club in Cornwall on the 24th May. The event is a one-race showdown where 15 boats turned out on the start line, using a starboard hand course. Mark Tait arrived at the windward mark first but conceded the lead to Nigel Wakefield during his last tack. On the first reach Nigel and Mark just held off Damian Boreham and Andy Palmer-Felgate from getting an inside overlap. Nigel got away down the second reach as Mark was forced to defend by going high. These positions were held to the finish.
Results
1st Nigel Wakefield
2nd Mark Tait
3rd Andy Palmer-Felgate