Congratulations to our Nationals Champions Jono and Sarah Pank! 3 race wins including the long distance Gore still meant they had to beat closest rivals on the last day.
There were close battles for many of the prizes, not only the coverted Firefly Nationals Champion. The fireflies pride themselves with a great line up of trophies and this year fabulous prizes provided by Rooster sailing. With such close competition several pairs of hikers were sold during the week to aid the aching legs!!
With only 8 points finally dividing the top 4 places and only 5 splitting the silver fleet leaders racing was close at all points in the fleet. Silver fleet leaders of David Ellis Ellis and Evie Snedker showed a great return after time away from the fleet for Dave (although his fancy dress outfit will remain in memory for a long while!!). One of the closest battles was for the Under 21 and Under 18 winners. Oli Burrows and Alex Baxter finally snatched victory by just 3 points from Jack Bradley and Liz Snedker. They secured one of the new boat covers, now available from Hydes through the firefly website)
First lady helm went to Lucy Boreham and Rachel Crebbin.
The prize for all races sailed including discards and the crews race saw Jamie and Jo McEwen claim the trophy. No doubt aided by Jo McEwen wining the crews race.
The best improver jib (sponsored by Hyde sails) went to Josh and Tristan Richardson with an impressive 15 place climb from last year’s scores.
The team Tolly Cobbold Cup went to Imperial Poona Yacht Club and will be shown to Prince Phillip their patron later in the year (Jono/Sarah Pank, Ben/Jenny Vines, John Grennland/Ruth Guy, Ed/Lucy Smith). Congratulations to the other teams of 4 from Restronguet, West Oxfordshire and West Kirby.
The veterans and ultimate trophy was a clean sweep for 8th placed Guy Davison and Izzy Bretherton showing age is no limit in a firefly.
Winner of the Torquay rock for youngest crew, 8 year old Dylan Weir sailing with Dad Andy left happy!
The student competition was mainly off the water but a source of great entertainment and main wearers of the legendary ‘Duckham’s dress’ for underachievement. ‘Prince Harry’ from Birmingham university taking centre stage several times!
The free student entry competition will be running again next year so keep an eye on the website (www.fireflyclass.co.uk) and firefly facebook page!
44 boats had a great week and we look forward to seeing you next year at Weymouth Sailing Club 16-22nd August. Great thanks to GJW Direct our main sponsors and our prize sponsors Rooster sailing and Hyde sails.
The National Firefly Class would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous contribution to the 2013 GJW Direct National Championships.
GJW Direct for generous all-year support of the class:
Rooster have provided the amazing prize line up:
Hyde Sails for donation of jib, under and over covers and clothing
St Austell Brewery for AGM free beer:
Marlow Ropes for continued sponsorship of the Marlow Trophy