Fireball National Championships at Looe Sailing Club - Day 3

Pete Gray with his Feckwit award on day 3 of the Fireball National Championships © Andrew Robinso

Pete Gray with his Feckwit award on day 3 of the Fireball National Championships © Andrew Robinso

Sponsored by Noble Marine, Harken & Typhoon

After a sunny lay-day the sailors gathered in Looe Sailing Club for a fun packed evening in the bar, with a game show along the lines of "I'm sorry, I haven't a clue", culminating in a hilarious game of 'hats on - hats off' which saw Geoff Edwards crowned "Mr Fireball 2013".

Wednesday morning conditions were drizzly and overcast for day 3 of the Fireball Nationals at Looe SC.

The fleet were well rested after a lay day on Tuesday and keen to get going. With less wind than forecast it was due to be an easier ride on both the competitors and the safety crew.

Race 1 got away 1st time and Christian Birrell and Richard Anderton rounded the windward mark 1st, after digging their way out of a bad start. Tom Gillard & Simon Potts were keeping them honest, with Chips Howarth and Vyv Townend right up behind.

At the line Matt Burge and Richard Wagstaff posted their best result of the series so far, finishing the race 3rd, behind Chips & Vyv in second, with Birrell & Anderton claiming their 2nd win of the series although a protest meeting for Thursday morning may well change the result.

Richard Anderton said; "After a bad start we were pleased to be able to round 1st. There are so many great sailors here, and both Chips and Gilly are tough to beat, so we are always happy to be ahead of them on the water. This was the 3rd day of perfect conditions and were really enjoying the chance to sail on some fantastic waves"

In race 2 a general recall led to the fleet getting away 2nd time. Birrell & Anderton habitually rounded 1st, with Chips & Vyv hot on their heels and Gillard & Potts in 3rd. With all the usual suspects at the front of the pack, it was a hotly contested affair for places further down the pecking order. Birrell & Anderton were in top form again and their lead remained untouchable, seeing them take a second bullet on the day.

Last years winning boat, 15080 the Class Association Fireball is at the event, being sailed by Matt Rainback and Simon Foskett. They are having a solid event and have been described by the Gold Fleet as "damn quick". The boat is handed over to talented youth sailors each year, giving them a chance to compete at the highest level in a properly sorted, fully sponsored boat. The Ellis brothers won the nationals in her last year and Dan has stayed on, crewing for Dave Wade in this years event.

After sailing the teams headed back to the club for the prize giving, the feckwit award and a team quiz. Beach games, pasties and a disco are on the social agenda for this evening.

Results after Day 3: (six races, 1 discard)