Firefly Open at South Staffordshire Sailing Club

by Tony Hotchkiss 21 May 2013 08:39 BST 18 May 2013

Thanks to the availability of the Team Racing boats, South Staffs once again ran a superb round robin event. With six boats available and seven entries, each couple only had to sit out one race so there was lots of sailing during the day.

Plenty of wind greeted the sailors with the only boat sailed just by juniors coping well in the blustery conditions. Rebecca Scott & Kamila Czartolomna showed great potential by getting around the course and although well behind gained valuable experience from their persistence. At the front of the fleet it was John & Sue Billington who were determined to retain the trophy. However, Keith Macaulay & Ollie Goodhead where equally determined to be an obstacle to the repeat performance! Did the 720 turn that John & Sue had to take in the first race show the pressure to come?

In reality it did not as John & Sue dominated the short races. With a 20 to 30 minute format all races were short and sweet giving just enough time between races for the crew of the changeover boat to swap. Rob Hicklin and his OOD support team did a great job of keeping the event flowing but those on the water throughout the morning were pleased to get the call in to lunch for a welcome pasta bake from Kate & Julie (I think Kate did it all really!)

With the convenience of boats being supplied, plenty of competitive races and excellent sailing it was a surprise only 5 boats entered from South Staffs. This was supplemented by two of our regular visitors from Budworth who seem to really enjoy this racing format. Maybe more of our members will see the fun we all had and take part themselves next year?

A big "thank you" must go to Brian Hudson for organising the event. The club records seem to indicate he has been sailing a Firefly for over 50 years and has decided to withdraw from active participation. Despite this he jumped into the front of a boat and managed to inspire Steve Troke to a day of exceptional performance!

Overall Results:

1st John & Sue Billington (SSSC)
2nd Keith Macaulay & Ollie Goodhead (SSSC)
3rd Steve Hayward & Sandra (Budworth)