Firefly National Championship 2025 at Lyme Regis Sailing Club - Day 5

Firefly Nationals 2025 at Lyme Regis © David Beer

In the thrilling world of Race 6, the tricky north-easterly winds had everyone strategising like chess grandmasters. The first gate start was cancelled after a large shift after about 30 seconds.

During the restart, there was a lot of hustle and bustle, with regular culprit Steve Greaves careering into the gate boat. Paul and Finn Kameen shot out of the gate, with Ben Tylecote and Lucy Cox hot on their heels, all heading towards the shore in search of more wind. And boy, did they find it! A nice long port tack approach towards mark 1 had Ollie Meadowcroft and Hazel Jones close behind, with Ben and Lucy in third place.

Finn rounded the mark first, with his dad right behind in the back of Biscuit Buffalo, and a drone overhead capturing every dramatic moment. This order held for the first lap, but then beat two began with Paul and Finn boldly hunting for more breeze on the left. Team Kameen had the shock of Sushi the dolphin jumping right in front of them.

Unfortunately for the Kameens, this proved too much of a distraction, and the eagle-eyed chasers spotted some wind filling in from the right, allowing Ollie and Hazel, Ben Lumby and Liz Evans, and Jono and Freddie to swoop in, with Steve Tylecote and Sally Wilson and Jamie and Ben McEwan also making their move.

By the end of the run, the wind had shifted, turning the final reach into a nerve-wracking run to the finish. It was a race full of twists, turns, and a whole lot of wind-chasing excitement!

Massive thanks to our 79th Tideway Firefly National Championships sponsors and supporters, Hyde Sails, Selden, Sailboat trailers, Marlow Ropes, South Coast Embroidery, Ovington Boats, Coastwatersports, Craftinsure and Tideway Wealth Management.

Firefly Nationals 2025 at Lyme Regis - photo © David Beer