Gul Fireball UK National Championship 2023 at Royal Torbay Yacht Club - Overall

The weather forecast for the final day of the championship was not encouraging with light opposing winds and rain showers promised. The fleet were held on shore until a light south easterly filled in. The plan was the get the last two races away before the cut off time.

After the first black flag of the week Arran and Will won the pin end going left and took an early lead. The usual suspects joined them apart from Kevin & Andy and Dave & Paul who went right, they looked dead until a late shift allowed them to join the front runners. A battle ensued between the top three challenging for the championship. Arran & Will held onto the lead to take their first gun while Tom & Andy pulled up to 2nd. Dave & Paul and DJ & Vyv had a close battle to the end only just holding off light wind specialists Allan & Chrissie Tyler. As the wind died to the finish DJ & Vyv pipped Dave & Paul. The last race of the day never happened as the wind continued to die and come in from all directions. This left Tom & Andy Champions and DJ & Vyv on equal points with Dave & Paul but DJ & Vyv taking the runner up place on count back.

Gul Fireball UK Nationals at Torbay - Prizegiving - photo © UKFA

The Nationals is not just about the overall winners. There are many prizes and categories through the fleet that include young and old, along with the spot prizes and free Gul gloves the fleet did very well!

A fantastic event run by the very efficient team at RTYC, a big thankyou to them. Thanks must also go to the main sponsor Gul along with P&B and North Sails.

Category Results

Under 26 Helm, Rachel Elliott
Under 26 Crew, William Heathcoat
1st Under 26 boat, Rachel Elliot & Rory Stretch
Toby Hammer Trophy, Rachel Elliot & Rory Stretch
1st Lady Helm, Georgia Booth
1st Lady Crew, Chrissie Tyler
1st Master Helm, DJ Edwards
1st Master Crew, Andy Thompson
1st Grand Master Helm, Dave Hall
1st Grand Master Crew, Chrissie Tyler
Most improved team, Simon Kings & Jon Loe
1st Classic boat, Jemima & Jo Line
Perseverance trophy, Hatty Norman & Emilie Hood

Gold
1 Tom & Andy
2 DJ & Vyv
3 Dave & Paul

Silver
1 Mike Dean & Richard Botting
2 Allan Tyler & Chrissie Tyler
3 Simon Lomas & Rob Daniels

Bronze
1 Jemima & Jo Line
2 Damian Abbatt & Steve Digby
3 Jason Cahill & Kerry Webb

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