GJW Direct Firefly Nationals at Restronguet - Day 1

GJW Direct Firefly Nationals at Restronguet day 1 © Sheridan Brown

The Hudsons on GJW Direct Firefly Nationals at Restronguet day 1 © Sheridan Brown

So the much anticipated Firefly nationals kicked off in style today. Cornwall threw its all at the fleet with rain, sun, spells of pleasant force 3, and monstrous, almost uncontrollable, gusts.

Local and last year's 10th place finisher Ben Lumby and Liz Evans opened the gate to release the fleet. Playing the very large shifts was the order of the day with Steve Greaves and Caroline Edwards making the best of it to lead at the first mark.

Ben Lumby was 2nd (overtook at the gybe mark) with Ben and Jenny Vines in third. There was any amount of place-changing that went on with Nigel Wakefield and Emily Sanderson tearing through the fleet downwind.

Last year's champions sailing Biscuit Buffalo, Paul and Chris Kameen, managed to turtle, whilst Alex Davey completed the race with a broken tiller extension. Ed Smith reported a massive 18 knots (allegedly).

Ben Vines lead the fleet with a sizeable lead around the course which was narrowed in the last leg by Nigel Wakefield who finished 2nd, and Ben Lumby in 3rd.

Race 2 started off a line start in a shifty F4-6 gusting 7.

Current National Champion Paul Kameen crewed by brother Chris rounded first closely followed by Ben and Jenny Vines. Nigel Wakefield and Emily Saunderson made impressive gains down the two reaches to lead at the leeward mark.

GJW Direct Firefly Nationals at Restronguet day 1 - photo © Sheridan Brown

The 2nd beat saw the left pay drastically. Stuart Hudson and Hollie Marston, and Steve and Sarah Cockerill, were the biggest beneficiaries and took over first and second spots.

Hudson and Marston were able to hold onto first place in what became survival conditions on the last two reaches.

Behind, places were being gained and lost in the extreme conditions and the shifty last beat as the wind dropped.

Jamie and Jo McEwen took 2nd place, Paul and Chris Kameen 3rd and Ben and Jenny Vines 4th.

The forecast for tomorrow at present looks like even more wind with the windspeed dropping throughout the week thereafter.

Results after Day 1:

www.fireflysailing.org.uk