The Firefly Fleet Runners and Riders: Sailing into the Winter of Discontent
by Firefly Class Association 6 Aug 15:06 BST
16-22 August 2025
Fireflys at Lyme Regis for the 2019 Nationals © Frances Davison
1979 Headlines
- Fleet paralysed by mainsheet strikes on Day 3
- Race abandoned after union dispute over start-line spacing
- Back-pain epidemic declared "unprecedented" by PRO
- Youth helm demands better working conditions for crews
- Inflation surges: ice cream in Lyme now £10.50
- Bar tokens devalued overnight; drinking confidence plummets
With under two weeks to go until the Tideway 79th Firefly Nationals at Lyme Regis Sailing Club from August 16 to August 22, it's time to assess the form sheet - or, in 1979 parlance, to see which factions might rise and which shall fall.
In line with the legendary Firefly fancy dress, this year's Runners and Riders are themed 1979-style: disunity, dysfunction, and a tug of war between the Industrial Age and the Information Age. Or, more precisely, between those who rewound VHS tapes with a pencil and those who think Fleetwood Mac is a TikTok influencer collective.
Unlike Britain in the actual Winter of Discontent -- or, frankly, Britain today -- the Firefly Class is in rude health. The allocated 70 places were filled within two months, and a generous extension from Lyme Regis Sailing Club means 74 boats are now set to do battle across the Dorset front. Bins may not line the streets, but expect just as much shouting, indecision, and intermittent periods of industrial action on the start line.
This year's fleet is restless. There is discontent in the ranks - whispers of revolution in the boat park, murmurs of mutiny at the bar. A rising youth movement -- under-25s now make up over a third of helms -- threatens the creaking authority of the old guard. The youngest competitors are barely into their teens, which, for many of the Oldies, is roughly the same age as their wetsuits. Talk of a 'four-day regatta week' is gaining traction among the younger helms, while several veterans have refused to launch unless their trolley tyres are fully inflated. Women make up nearly 40% of the fleet - a statistic that Westminster in 1979 would've struggled to comprehend, even as Maggie Thatcher ruled the roost (best not look at the number of women in her Cabinet).
Among the 74 boats are nine former national champions and nineteen helms who've previously won a championship race. That's nearly a third of the fleet who've already stood on the podium - or, to continue the theme, already addressed the union conference. With this level of experience and youthful firepower, expect mutiny, miracles, stagflation, and the occasional familial dispute as parents struggle to stay ahead of their offspring. Rumours persist that a breakaway fleet may attempt to form a rival regatta with a Wednesday lay day, citing grievances over start-line timing and the price of dark and stormys.
Your authors estimate at least 17 teams could win a race. Only one will win the war.
As ever, there's more than pride at stake. Thanks to the generous support of Craftinsure, Ovington Boats, Hyde Sails, Selden, Marlow Ropes, South Coast Embroidery, and Sail Boat Trailers, this revolution comes with a serious hall of prizes - and plenty of joyful chaos along the way.
Not to mention our headline sponsors, Tideway Wealth Management. One visit to their website could sort the deficit and your personal finances in a single click.
Likely to Seize Power (Could Win the Event)
1. Steve Tylecote and Sally Wilson - F3037 'Grasshopper'
(Category: Old - "Unionised but undefeated")
Last year's champion Steve returns with his old strike partner Sally Wilson. After an eerily competent campaign in 2023, this pair could lead the revolution again. Second, at the windy South Westerns, they remain a model of consistency across all wind ranges. If Steve's knees don't walk out in protest, don't bet against them.
2. Finian Morris and Robbie Hudson - F3119 'Horror'
(Category: Young - "Militant Youth Wing")
Fin sails a lot. An awful lot. He's seized back control of his boat from his father (a peaceful transfer of power, we believe) and is more than capable of delivering a knockout performance. If it's mid-windy, this pairing could storm the barricades.
3. Stuart Hudson and Lizzie Hudson - F3850 'Fursty Ferret'
(Category: Old - "The Last Aristocracy")
Stuart once declared his time was over. The results - and his continued presence at the top - suggest otherwise. A multiple-time national champion and master of the downwind surge, he returns with daughter Lizzie, who reportedly earns £1 every time her father swears. Think of it as a wage subsidy from the peerage. With Stuart's intensity and Lizzie's generational cool, this may be the only aristocratic institution still functioning properly in 2025.
4. Oliver Meadowcroft and Hazel Jones - F3165 'Daddy Long Legs Too'
(Category: Young - "Flying Pickets")
Ollie is dinghy sailing's most prolific moonlighter: Fireflys, Scorpions, Merlins, National 12s - if it floats, he's raced it. Gear failure ruined his Felixstowe series, but with a new ship beneath him, this BUSA champion could be staging a full-scale coup.
5. Nigel Wakefield and Emily Saunderson - F3007 'Tip Top Too'
(Category: Old - "Grumblers in Chief")
Nigel and Emily delivered one of the most dominant Firefly performances in memory at the Itchenor Burgree. Nigel may present as permanently discontent, but he's ruthlessly effective in light airs. Emily isn't an employment lawyer, but industrial relations may require mediation throughout the week.
6. Jono and Freddie Pank - F1954 'Pogie'
(Category: Old - "The Hereditary Peers")
Jono returns aboard Pogie - a Firefly so storied it should really come with a hereditary seat and a parking pass for the House of Lords. Teaming up with son Freddie, this father-son duo already claimed victory at the Bloody Mary earlier this year, proving the Pank dynasty is still very much alive and voting on all motions. It's been over a decade since Jono last claimed the national crown, but with Freddie now whispering tactics from the front, Pogie could be back on the podium. If it's light to medium and the chamber stays in order, don't be surprised if this aristocratic pairing brings the title back to the red benches.
7. William Pank and Chloe Harding - F3820 'Silly Goose'
(Category: Young - "Performance-led Coalition")
Will has just finished 5th at the 49er Europeans with multiple race wins. He's rapid. 'Alarm' might be resting, but partnered with Chloe, he remains a formidable threat. The real question is: can Chloe endure the tactical commentary that Steve once bravely withstood?
8. Paul and Finn Kameen - F2018 'Buffalo Biscuit'
(Category: Old - "The Triple Crown")
Three-time champ Paul, now racing with son Finn, is always a threat. 2024 Champion, has shown inconsistent form since, but always likely to pull one out of the bag when needed.
Likely to Nick a Race (And Ruin Someone Else's)
9. Jamie Tylecote and Alice Lucy - F3746 'TicTac'
(Category: Young - "The Popular Front")
Reigning BUSA champions with two race wins at the South Westerns, Jamie and Alice represent the organised left of the Firefly fleet - agile and driven. Expect this pair to strike early, hold the line, and issue a strongly worded communique if they're not on the podium by Thursday.
10. Terry and Annabelle Hacker - Southampton University Ovington
(Category: Young - "Family Business")
Last year's breakout syndicate, this sibling duo shocked the old guard with calm, efficient sailing and no noticeable bureaucracy, winning the Gore and finishing 6th overall. Still young, still composed, and still not interested in my class war metaphors. Expect silent strikes near the front of the fleet.
11. Ben Tylecote and Lucy Cox - F3671 'Purple Doris'
(Category: Young - "The Purple Revolution")
Race winners at last year's Nationals and fully capable of doing it again, Ben and Lucy are a serious pairing in Purple Doris, a boat with both speed and swagger. Ben's tactical aggression and Lucy's calm execution make them a potent threat, especially if it's breezy enough for the boat to stretch its legs. If the Revolution is coming, it may well be wearing violet and charging down the run.
12. Alex and Stella Davey - F3649 'Mustard'
(Category: Old - "Experienced Moderates")
Fourth overall in 2023. Solid, dependable, unfussy, like a Volvo estate but quicker upwind. Keep an eye on them.
13. Angus Cook and Lucie Hopkins - F3695 'Officer Dibble'
(Category: Old - "Fancy Dress First, Results Second")
Mainstay near the front, but always capable of punching above their weight. Particularly deadly in the drifters. 8th last year.
14. Jamie and Ben McEwen - F3615 'Skirmish'
(Category: Old - "Democratic Centrists")
Jamie is a model of consistency - calm, competent, and largely immune to the chaos around him. Sailing with son Ben, this pairing proves that smaller crew size doesn't mean smaller ambition. Rumour has it Jamie gets faster every time one of his children shrinks - a rare case of deflation working in someone's favour during the Winter of Discontent. Expect Skirmish to quietly pick off bigger names if they forget to unionise their tacks.
15. Chris Kameen and Jenny Johnson - F2937 'Smutty'
(Category: Old - "Agricultural Union")
Chris's brother may have more titles, but this pair took a race win in 2023. Fast in light airs - as long as the crops are in and the combine stays in the shed. Rural, reliable, and very slightly resentful of urban protest culture.
16. Dr Jenny Smallwood and Dr Phil Aldhous - F3625 'Squabbling Phoenix'
(Category: Young[ish] - "Academic Left")
This scholarly pairing has won open meetings and inland champs, and remains a serious threat if conditions favour quiet contemplation and tactical nuance. Expect Marxist interpretations of mark room and a politely worded resolution if anyone encroaches at the windward gate.
17. Ben Lumby and Liz Evans - F2659 'Kong'
(Category: Old - "Local Resistance Movement")
Ben claims last year's article cursed him. We maintain it was simply an unflattering budget forecast. In 12-18 knots, they're strong contenders - provided the wind holds, his back holds, and no new Class Rule amendments are imposed without consultation. If results improve, expect early calls for a referendum on their handicap.
Final Word from the Picket Line
As the Old Guard hobble into battle with aching joints and ancient boats, the Youth surge forward with carbon tillers, questionable sunglasses, and boundless energy. There are whispers of a class realignment, of new coalitions, of generational protest votes.
But when the breeze drops, the protests settle, and the unions disband (until next year), only one name goes on the trophy.
Until then, hold onto your jib sheets - the Winter of Discontent is about to begin.