Fireball Open at Blackwater Sailing Club

Blackwater Fireball open © M Norman

Blackwater Fireball open © K Stuart

It was third time lucky for the Blackwater Fireball open. Two years previously there was no wind, last year there was almost too much but this year the estuary provided sun and a pleasant 10–12 knots of warm breeze.

Three races were held on Saturday. Mark Maskell & Nigel Sheppard were on a roll winning the first 2 of the day in spite of being hounded by both Steve Jarred & Nick Collins and Dave Hall & Paul Constable all round the race track. For the third race of the day and it was all change. The tide had turned making the start tricky as the fleet were swept over the line for a recalled start. Race Officer Barry Foulds took no time in bringing the black flag out for the second start. With the tide sweeping the fleet towards the line once again there were a large number of BFDs which at the end of the day would have a large impact on the results. Steve & Nick slipped away to win the race after playing safe on the line, Maia Walsh & Peter Bentley sailed a steady race and hold their nerve under pressure to come in second.

Sunday brought more sun and a little more wind. Dave & Paul after their underwhelming performance the previous day took the lead in the first race. Tight racing followed with Dave & Paul holding off Simon & Tom Maskell and Mark & Nigel who were always pressing them especially down the run. Dave & Paul crossed the line first with Simon & Tom second and Mark & Nigel third. While the tussle had been going on between the three boats Steve & Nick had pulled up to forth which meant going into the last race three boats could win overall. Steve & Nick tacked off the start line and went right. Dave & Paul and Mark & Nigel went left – Right paid. Steve & Nick got round the top mark first and opened up large lead. By the time Dave& Paul and Mark & Nigel had worked their way through the fleet there were not enough laps to catch up. A well deserved win for Steve & Nick from the home club who sailed constantly in every race.

Big thanks to the club and to all the volunteers both on and off the water – especially to those who made the cakes.

Overall Results: