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Firefly 2023 National Championships Felixstowe Ferry
August 12, 2023 - August 18, 2023
From £249Firefly Fest is Here – Get ready for Nationals 2023!
Seven days of close competitive racing and seven nights of the Firefly Class’s infamous, often imitated, never equalled socials
12-18th August 2023 at class favourite venue: Felixstowe Ferry SC
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FFSC’s two-storey clubhouse is located at the mouth of the River Deben and has views over the Deben and Bawdsey and out to sea. In addition to the usual facilities, the club has a large lounge, a professional galley with a dining/party area and a roof terrace (that may or may not be the perfect size for a Firefly).
The dinghy park is to one side of the clubhouse and camping and car parking is available just across the road. Launching is into the River Deben with a sail over the bar to the open sea where the racing will take place.
Speaking of bars, it’s cheap and FFSC know Fireflies so you know it’ll be well stocked!
Racing
Racing will commence on Saturday with the practice race. Our technical team will be available from Saturday morning from 09.00 for scrutineering. When you arrive just add your name to the list and they will give you a shout when they are ready for you. Please arrive to the scrutineering area with your mast down and centreboard in and be prepared to present your rudder and jibstick for inspection. Spare jibsticks are available to rent for a small deposit (or DIY with coat hangers and a garden cane).
Notices will be posted on the event WhatsApp Group
Craftinsure Buddies
The OG buddies prize! Everyone will be paired up with a buddy and each day the top-scoring pair will win a prize courtesy of our insurance partner Craftinsure. The aim is for each team to share their experience and skills and meet new people in the fleet.
Trophies
There are lots of trophies to be won, you will automatically be entered for all those you qualify for based on your entry form.
If you have trophies to return remember to get them engraved, and please, please return them as clean as you received them a year ago! Trophies should be dropped to the registration desk on Saturday 12th.
Socials
We’re a class that parties as hard as we race and Felixstowe is one of our best social venues. All evening socials except Crews Union/Helms Dinner are included in your entry fee. Expect great music, bad dancing and *a lot* of shenanigans!
Accommodation
Felixstowe is the Nationals with the festival feel! The vast majority of the fleet opt to take advantage of cheap and convenient camping provided by FFSC onsite.
Tent camping will be available on the Millennium Green opposite the dinghy park for a small fee of £10 per tent, per night.
Campervan spaces at the end of the dinghy park are now fully booked.
There are some hotels, B&B’s and self-catering including Airbnb in Felixtowe. The journey to the Club will take about 15-20 minutes by car. For the full Felixstowe experience, we recommend camping.
IMPORTANT WARNING FOR FIRST TIMERS – It might be tempting to book accommodation near Bawdsey, but this is on the opposite shore of the River Deben! There is only a foot ferry which runs from 10.00 until 17.00, or a 25 mile/40 minute drive to Woodbridge to reach the nearest bridge over the river!
Crews Union
The distinctly uncivilised Crews Union takes place on the Tuesday night of Nationals. There is a small charge of £10 per person towards the booze payable in advance. To book your space, speak to Union stewards Fi and Shrimpy.
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