2021 Gul Fireball UK National Championship at Hayling Island Sailing Club - Overall

2021 Gul Fireball UK Nationals © Christophe Favreau / www.christophefavreau.com

Ropelocker night at the 2021 Gul Fireball UK Nationals © Simon Benson

Ropelocker winners Matt Scott and Doug Byatt during the 2021 Gul Fireball UK Nationals © Simon Benson

Day 3 Sponsored by Gul and Ropelocker (by Isaac Marsh)

Day 3 greeted the fleet with gusts of 45 knots meaning that another well earned rest day was granted. I’m sure that the AP over A had been hoisted before the likes of Mr Horey and cohort had even thought about leaving their beds, a stroke of luck considering their antics the night before. Even though racing was cancelled many of the fleet still enjoyed the afternoon by many viewing the new Bond film and drawing swamps on Pictionary. The evening provided some great entertainment starting with a very generous prize draw sponsored by Ropelocker, 2 spot prize winners who will be receiving Gul Code Zero Buoyancy Aids, and a fantastic curry hosted by HISC. The evening ended for many with some ‘50 shades’ style rope games, ‘To Be or Knot to be a Fireballer’, only stoping short of Chris Turner suggestion of throwing in a bed. Using rope supplied by Ropelocker, teams of 2 had one arm tied to their team mate, and used their spare hands to tie a series of knots – the quickest team of Matt Scott & Doug Byatt winning a Ropelocker bag of goodies!

All in all despite the lack of sailing the fleet managed to use their intuition and keep them selves out of too much mischief.

Word on the grape vine was that we could expect a 9:30 start in the harbour to try and get at least one race in before the wind piped up again.

Day 4 sponsored by Gul and Hyde Sails (by Derian Scott)

The fleet got to the boat park bright and early, rather bemused by the flat water and lack of howling wind. The RO decided that the sea state in the bay was manageable enough for the fleet, so instead of racing in the harbour we headed out to a race course off East Wittering. With the tide underneath us and with a rather eager fleet, we ended up with 2 general recalls. Several boats fell foul of the black flag including Nationals contenders Chips & Vyv. The first race of the day was in classic Hayling conditions – great surfing in the 15 to 20 knot westerly. The fleet stormed round the course, but no-one could catch Arran Holman & James Taylor, who have discarded their water wings in favour of trophies! Matt Burge & Dan Schieber finished 2nd and Jiri Paruzek and Jakub Kosvica from the Czech Republic in 3rd.

Just as race 2 got away first time under the black flay, the wind speed jumped from 18 to 25 knots and the sea started to get whipped up. Gusts approaching 30 knots resulted in many capsizes all over the course. On lap 2 many boats decided that the best place for the spinnaker was firmly in the bag, but the legs were broad and those who braved the hoists and drops were rewarded with a speedy downwind flyer! Arran and James again took the win followed by Fireball legend David Sayce with Matt Alvarado in 2nd and Chips and Vyv in 3rd.

Matt Burge & Dan Schieber win the 2021 Gul Fireball UK Nationals - photo © Simon Benson

Matt and Dan came 5th, but their previous results were enough to secure the championship with Chips & Vyv 2nd overall and newcomers to the fleet Arran & James 3rd.

Prizes galore were handed out with vouchers generously provided by Gul. The final spot prize draw of the week was for a spinnaker, provided by Hyde Sails. The lucky winners were Jiri Paruzek and Jakub Kosvica – that and the racing made their long journey worth it!

We're incredibly fortunate to have support from our main sponsor, Gul, and further prizes donated by Ropelocker, Hyde Sails, North Sails and UKGlobal.

Thank you to the entire race management team at HISC, and to the club and its members for giving such a warm welcome to the Fireball and 505 fleets. The Fireballs will be back in 2022 to celebrate 60 years of the Fireball!

Overall Results:
If you finished in the top ten at the Fireball nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here