GJW Direct Firefly Nationals at Weymouth Sailing Club - Day 4

Gore winners Ben Lumby and Liz Evans at the GJW Direct Firefly nationals in Weymouth © Lucy Boreham

Gore winners Ben Lumby and Liz Evans at the GJW Direct Firefly nationals in Weymouth © Lucy Boreham

Red Arrow fly past at the GJW Direct Firefly nationals in Weymouth © Lucy Boreham

Wednesday at the Firefly Nationals is also known as 'BIG' Wednesday. There are two reasons for this. The first is that it follows the Tuesday night crews union so at least half the fleet is feeling somewhat under the weather... the second is that it's Gore day!

The race format for the Gore revolves around a deed of gift first written in 1947 which specifies a race of at least 12 nautical miles duration round triangles on the open sea. Hence it's a much longer race than the majority of 21st century dinghy sailors are used to, particularly the student team race section of the fleet who are somewhat bemused at the prospect of a race lasting more than ten minutes!

The competitors for the 2014 edition of the Sir Ralph Gore Challenge Trophy sailed out into Weymouth bay under beautiful blue skies with a light north westerly breeze that was forecast to remain all day. Just prior to the first attempt at a start (the inevitable general recall...) the wind unexpectedly increased to around 15 knots as black clouds rolled across the course. These conditions remained all day.

The second start was more successful with the fleet getting away cleanly and many competitors heading for the Portland side of the course anticipating the wind would go left. Looking good at mark 1 were Jono and Sarah Pank in Pogie and Roger and Finn Morris in Horror. By the end of lap one Roger and Finns downwind speed had pulled them into a comfortable lead with Finn, just eight years old, clearly enjoying his first ever Gore. However by the end of lap two the Cornish contingent had made big gains with Ben Lumby and Liz Evans displaying some dynamite speed to open up a big gap on the rest of the fleet. By this point six times champion Stuart Hudson sailing with wife Jane had pulled up to second and for the final two laps they tried every trick in the book to hunt down Ben and Liz. Ultimately the chase proved unsuccessful with Ben and Liz jubilantly crossing the finish line to take the winners gun. The Hudsons were second with the Panks third, championship leaders Paul and Laura Kameen fourth. Ed and Lucy Smith were fifth and Roger and Finn sixth.

The Marlow Ropes trophy for the second half of the fleet was a closely contested affair. Richard Whitefoot and Lucy Drew battled hard with Fred Mainwearing and Jenn Lamb for the majority of the race until Fred and Jenn failed to make it round the last gybe mark with the rig still above the centreboard. Lucy Boreham and Rachel Crebbin seized the opportunity to jump into second whilst Fred and Jenn executed an excellent capsize recovery to come home third.

Post racing the fleet sailed home for a champagne prize giving in the dinghy park. Gore winners Ben and Liz were sprayed with the sparkling stuff in the traditional manner. The Marlow top three were awarded new main and jib sheets from sponsor Marlow ropes. Some swift work by the event organisers also ensured the Red Arrows did a quick fly by to salute the Gore winners!

Tonight the competitors are having a night in at Weymouth Sailing Club with dinner and a quiz. Tomorrow the championship resumes and with three races left the Kameens look in a strong position but with big breeze forecast there's still opportunities for the chasing pack. Watch this space for more news.

Results after Day 4: (six races, 1 discard)