2022 Gul Fireball National Championship at Brightlingsea Sailing Club - Overall

Gul Fireball Nationals at Brightlingsea day 4 © William Stacey

Class Chair Derian Scott cutting the Fireball 60th Anniversary cake © Frank Miller

After a day off racing because of strong winds and a "horrible" sea state, Brightlingsea SC hosted a fantastic Championship dinner. Pudding was a specially made 60th Anniversary Celebration cake.

The fleet launched early as with Saturday's two races being cancelled, the race team were anxious to get the fleet away at the scheduled 11am start and fit in 3 races. This would bring in the discard and achieve 7 races for the overall series.

However, the forecast was not encouraging with the wind set to fade through the day along with some large changes in direction.

Gul Fireball Nationals at Brightlingsea day 4 - photo © William Stacey

Race 5 got away with the remnants of the wind from the previous day - just enough for the heavier teams to trapeze in the patchy gusts. With the tide underneath the start line, a few were caught out with an OCS including the current Championship leaders, Tom Gillard & Andy Thompson. Peter Gray & Simon Foskett crossed the finish first and were followed in by Dan Johnson & Ben Latham with Derian & Andy Scott completing the top three.

Gul Fireball Nationals at Brightlingsea day 4 - photo © William Stacey

After the race, the wind died, backed 40 degrees, and picked up again (but to less than race 5) and the race team set off across the sea to set up a new course for race 6. The lighter winds brought some different faces to the front of the fleet. After lot of place changes with the front runners and some interesting snakes and ladders, Vince Horey & Richard Pepperdine took the win. They were followed in by Russ & Ali Cormack with Tom & Andy pulling up to third spot, consolidating their overall lead.

Gul Fireball Nationals at Brightlingsea day 4 - photo © William Stacey

It was looking tight to get the last race of the day in, but the fleet finally got away under the U flag after a general recall. Peter & Simon relishing the light conditions took the lead and were never challenged taking their second win of the day. This was enough to give them second overall. Tom & Andy followed in second to give them victory for the Championship. Isaac Marsh & Oliver Davenport, having sailed an excellent week, took third place to give the young team third overall.

Gul Fireball Nationals at Brightlingsea podium: (l-r) Oliver Davenport, Oliver Marsh, Tom Gillard, Andy Thompson, Simon Foskett & Peter Gray - photo © William Stacey

The Fireballs are extremely grateful to Brightlingsea SC for laying on a fantastic event. The team of volunteers organised by Regatta Chair, Fi Brown, left us wanting for nothing and the club couldn't have been more welcoming.

The Fireball fleet is also incredibly grateful to all our sponsors: Gul Watersports who provided spot prizes of Code Zero Buoyancy Aids and generous vouchers to the top three in the Gold, Silver & Bronze Fleets.

Day sponsors: Allen Brothers, North Sails, Pinnell & Bax and WEST SYSTEM.

We hope to see old and new faces at the 60th Anniversary Celebration event at Hayling Island SC on 1-3 July.

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