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turnturtle View Drop Down
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    Posted: 02 Feb 15 at 2:52pm
I think they seem to hit the sweet spot performance wise for experienced sailors- enabling a healthy cross over between boat on boat tactical racing in lighter winds, and all out fun blasting when the breeze is on.

I've only sailed one a handful of times- but I remember the first one vividly - an amazing blast down the River Crouch in good F4-5, and everything on the boat just seemed to work so well.


Edited by turnturtle - 02 Feb 15 at 2:53pm
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JimC View Drop Down
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Posts: 6662 		Post Options Post Options   Quote JimC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Feb 15 at 4:51pm
I was having this discussion at the club yesterday, and we came to the conclusion that no-one has really come up with a good modern alternative as a single string adults performance boat.

The ISO and the 4 Tonner were at best mediocre and further handicapped by the weight equalisation fad. The 29er is too full on and too much a youth boat, and the RS500 hasn't clicked for whatever reason.

Something like a 29er extended to Fireball length with just enough extra rag to drive a bit more lard ought to fit the bill, but with the general collapse in high performance sailing I don't know I'd risk my money in developing and promoting it.
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Posts: 2538 		Post Options Post Options   Quote turnturtle Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Feb 15 at 5:03pm
Isn't the Alto kind of fitting that bill, but for whatever reason it's just not taken off?  I know P&B have dropped it...  and they're usually quite good at investing a bit of time and patience in things.  
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Posts: 478 		Post Options Post Options   Quote iiitick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Feb 15 at 5:10pm
I think one good thing about fireballs is that you can buy one for £500 as a starter, practice, improve then work up to one of the latest Winder? ones.  They have always puzzled me though as the waterline never looks that long yet they are pretty quick up wind.
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Posts: 2538 		Post Options Post Options   Quote turnturtle Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Feb 15 at 5:16pm
Originally posted by iiitick

They have always puzzled me though

me too- they are truly hideous looking boats, especially against the back drop of the 505 ... but you can't deny they seem to work and do what they do very well.  

I'd happily sailing one if I had the flexibility to sail with someone else.  

I know there was an RS500 at Draycote when they were first launched, the general consensus was it wasn't going to be a threat to the Fireball fleet there.  
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Oli View Drop Down
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Posts: 1020 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Oli Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Feb 15 at 6:03pm
As a side thought to what would replace a fireball I think something that could be useful on this site within the classes section would be to have an (ideal?) crew weight drop down box.  Would be interesting to be able to compare boats that way and perhaps useful for people searching for boats to move into.
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jeffers View Drop Down
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Posts: 3048 		Post Options Post Options   Quote jeffers Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Feb 15 at 6:14pm
The Fireball is a great boat. Sure they took some pain about 10-15 years back when the aussie came over with their 'wide bow' delange boats and cleaned up at the worlds. This prompted a revolution in the class with the current (at the time) boat being made obsolete almost immediately.

Now you can get an early composite winder for very little money so as long as it has been looked after and you have a decent suit of sails you have the same kit at the top guys (1 less excuse though).

As it happens I may just be making a guest appearing in a Fireball this weekend....I have even been told I am allowed to helm!
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2547 View Drop Down
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Posts: 1151 		Post Options Post Options   Quote 2547 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Feb 15 at 6:14pm
The Fireball is and always has been one of the strongest classes in the UK. Because of that it attracts some of the best sailors and so the fleet gets stronger. 

I'd say the top of the fireball fleet is stronger than most. 

In addition the boat really performs well in high winds. 
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Posts: 745 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Null Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Feb 15 at 6:59pm
I love Fireballs, just brilliant boats.  So tempted to buy one for the worlds this year.  Just fantastic to watch in big breeze.  Sadly i have only sailed them in a drifter.  Would love to have  go in one when its Dogs off chains!  
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Posts: 524 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Roger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Feb 15 at 7:16pm
Originally posted by JohnJack

It looks like the Fireball is the boat to be in at the moment. There are some big names in them.
What makes the so popular?


I'm sure the Fireball has remained reasonably popular for some time as it offers international competition, and this year of course with the worlds in the UK you can already see more top teams either joining or coming back to the class.

http://fireballworlds2015.com/index.php/en/
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