The Firefly Class is 60

The Firefly class will celebrate its 60th Birthday in 2006 © Barnaby Smith

Next year, the Firefly class will celebrate its 60th Birthday with a range of special events across the country. Fans of this 12 foot dinghy will compete at venues as diverse as the River Thames, Dublin Harbour, Rutland Water and West Kirby Marine Lake. Each event will be accompanied by a not to be missed party.

The two biggest events of the year are the 60th Anniversary National Championships at Abersoch (5th to 11th August) and the 60th Anniversary Dinner at West Kirby (26th to 28th August 2006). These events will form a wonderful ten days of sailing and partying next August.

The Firefly Class would like to encourage Firefly sailors old and new to join us in 2006 to celebrate 60 years of Firefly sailing. For more details visit the class website www.fireflysailing.co.uk

Crewsaver 60th Firefly Nationals, Abersoch, 5th-11th August 2006

"The Big One!" This will be one of the biggest UK nationals of the summer at a legendary venue. Well over 100 boats expected. Entry forms now available online. The entry fee includes all parties, 2 live bands, discos, food on 2 nights and all your racing. Put your entry in soon to get a free T-Shirt. Entry fees starts at £95 for under 21's and over 65's. Remember to book accommodation soon as Abersoch is a busy holiday resort.

The Firefly 60th Dinner Open, West Kirby 26th-28th August 2006

West Kirby SC is hosting an extra special 3 day open along with a 60th Celebration Dinner over the August Bank holiday weekend. The club is a hotbed of Firefly sailing and is internationally renowned for hosting the legendary Wilson Trophy. Racing will be on the estuary and the marine lake and will hopefully include a variety of special races celebrating the diversity of the class. The anniversary dinner will take place in the Boatshed on Saturday night. Up to 300 guests are expected to toast the class and its designer Uffa Fox in this very special year.

Thames Weekend April 2006 (Date TBC)

A special two event hosted by Thames SC and Tamesis Club. One day at each club, a race in between and a big party on the Saturday night. A great reason to come to SW London for the weekend and race at some of the oldest clubs in the country.

Royal St. George, Ireland 22nd/23rd April 2006

Royal St. George YC in Dublin has a long connection with the Firefly class. For the 60th anniversary they are running a special open with supplied boats from the various colleges around Dublin. No need to spend a fortune towing your boat to Ireland, just hop on a cheap flight and boat hire will be included in your entry fee. This will be a great weekend of sailing with the added bonus of a legendary Irish party on Saturday night.

Itchenor Burgee June/July 2006 (Date TBC)

Itchenor SC members first owned Fireflys in 1947. In 2006 this historic club will host a two day open and many famous Itchenor sailors are certain to return for some classic racing in Chichester Harbour. Just remember to keep your shirt on when crossing the grass!

Upper Thames Classic Open 16th-17th September 2006

This event will be a handicapped event for all Fireflies, allowing the newest 2006 Rondar GRP Firefly to race on a time corrected basis with a restored 1946 model complete with brass fittings, rotating mast, steel centreplate and cotton sails. It will be great to see all ages of Fireflies racing. The class knows that Firefly numbers 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 17, and 18 are all still out there so please bring them along! On the Saturday evening Upper Thames will pull out all the stops for a special dinner in their magnificent 1885 clubhouse.

Inland Championships Rutland SC 11th/12th November 2006

For our 60th year the Firefly class will be visiting one of the biggest and best inland waters in the UK. If you can't make the 60th nationals the next event to do is surely the Inlands. Top quality racing at a great venue with yes, you've guessed it, another big party!