Final Day round up at the champs
The final day of the Firefly National Championship. While the 2014 champions the Kameens could enjoy Weymouth’s shore-side pleasures, the rest of the fleet headed out from the sailing club in a shifty force 3.The race officer Frank Newton set an Olympic course relatively close to the shore and this, coupled with the prevailing north westerly coming across the town, resulted in some spectacular wind shifts and plenty of “snakes and ladders” opportunities for competitors.
Pathfinders Dave and Betty Sincock gained the most from the advantage on the right hand side of the course, to lead the way at the first mark. Most of the rest of the leaders came from a big shift on the left with those in the middle scrambling to escape. Dave and Betty managed to stay in front to win the race, from Jono and Sarah Pank 2nd and Ben Lumby and Liz Evans 3rd.
Overall Rob and Mel Sherrington hung onto 2nd overall with Jono and Sarah Pank 3rd overall.
This concluded a very successful championships both on an off the water, with Weymouth remaining a firm favourite with the class because of its friendly club, fabulous sailing area and convenient accommodation, nightclub, fish and chips outlets and fancy dress retailers!
The traditional prizegiving saw trophies for every race and multiple other categories. The overall event was kindly sponsored by GJW Direct Insurance. Prizes supported by sponsorship and value from Rooster sailing, generous donation from Hyde sails and as always The Marlow Trophy was sponsored by Marlow to give three boats gleaming new ropes.
With all our thanks to the hard work of the club volunteers and Frank Newton and his race committee.
Overall Results
GJW Direct Firefly National Champions, recipients of the Sir Richard Fairey Points Cup and Colin Whittle crews trophy, From West Kirby Sailing Club Paul and Laura Kameen in 2018 Biscuit Buffalo.
2nd
First Lady Helm, From Chichester sailing club, Lucy Boreham and Rachel Crebbin in 3739 Willow
Under 18 winner from West Oxfordshire sailing club, Alexander Baxter and James Nichol in 2246 Scruffy
Under 21 winner from West Oxfordshire sailing club, Oliver Burrows and Olive Balfour 792 Rissa
Veterans over 50’s class, from Restronguet sailing club, Dave and Betty Sincock in newly refurbished 973 Spiderling
Ultimate Trophy for first highest combined age, from Keyhaven sailing club, Stuart and Jane Hudson in 3850 Fursty Ferret
The Tolly Cobbold Team trophy went to Restronguet sailing club
Top Placed University or School owned boat went to Andrew Wishart and Hannah Howels in Rosie from the University of Surrey
Best improved helmsperson (last years result to this). Generously sponsored by Hyde sails with a Hyde Jib went to Mark Fawcett and Nick Hill 3675 Flo from Whitefriars sailing club
Silver Fleet winners, from Coombs sailing club, Fred Mainwairing and Jenn Lamb in Purple Doris 3671
Our youngest crew award went to Finnian Morris and Dylan Weir
Crews race winner from Hamble River SC, Karen Main crewed by Barney Smith in 2023 Fourwood Thinking
OVERALL PLACES
14th From Llangorse Guy Davison and Izzy Bretherton 3318 Lynestra
13th From Stokes Bay Dan and Ella Vincent Tic Tac 3746
12TH From Keyhaven David Ellis and Evie Snedker in 2849 Geoff
11TH From Papercourt Roger and Finn and Amy Morris 3119 Horror
10th From restronguet Ben Lumby, Liz Evans 2659 Kong
9th From Hamble SC Barney Smith and Karen Main 3023 Fourwood Thinking
8th Imperial Poona Ed and Lucy Smith 2803 Grendel
7th West Kirby Andy Cornah, Kate Fairclough 888 Desperado
6th From restronguet Dave and Betty Sincock 973 Spiderling
5th Imperial Poona Ben and Jenny Vines 2144 Fetherlite
4th From Keyhaven/Spinnaker Stuart and JaneHudson sailing 3850 Fursty Ferret
3rd Imperial Poona Jono and Sarah Pank 1954 Pogie
2nd From Keyhaven Rob and Mel Sherrington 3617 Iris , also winners of the trophy for all races, no discards.
