Tideway 80th Firefly Nationals Entry Limit Raised to 120 as demand smashes previous limit
by Alex Baxter 15 Apr 16:32 BST
8-14 August 2026
70th Anniversary Firefly Nationals day 5 © Alistair Mackay
Amendment to Notice of Race confirmed as 2026 Tideway 80th Anniversary Nationals at Tenby Sailing Club approaches sold-out status and a race-ready Ovington Firefly up for grabs in the anniversary raffle (see T&C's on our website).
The National Firefly Association (NFA) is delighted to announce that, following agreement with Tenby Sailing Club, the entry limit for the 2026 Tideway 80th Anniversary National Championships has been increased to 120 boats. With 100 paid entries already confirmed and a Notice of Race amendment now published, the fleet is expected to reach capacity well ahead of the August event.
The NFA would like to thank the team at Tenby Sailing Club for their work so far to support this event in TSC's 90th year. The hard work of both their team and the ever-reliable pairing of Jim Bramley and Callum Farnden on behalf of the NFA means that we have enabled us to expand the fun.
The increase marks a significant milestone: the last time the Firefly gathered a fleet approaching this size was at Abersoch in 2006 - the class's 60th anniversary regatta -where 111 boats competed. That the 80th anniversary fleet looks set to surpass it speaks to how if you have great value boats and sails, welcoming socials, and a thriving UK University Team Racing scene, anything is possible.
The NFA has confirmed that a formal amendment to the Notice of Race has been issued and published on the Tenby Sailing Club website. Prospective entrants are advised to review the updated entry procedures. Those who have submitted entry forms will be contacted directly with bank details to complete payment if a place within the 120-boat limit is available. Once the limit is reached, the entry form will close, and those wishing to be considered should contact the event organisers directly to be placed on the waiting list, in line with the system used at last year's championship.
Win a brand-new race-ready Firefly
Adding to the occasion, the NFA has launched a major anniversary raffle giving every competitor the chance to win Firefly F4444, a race-ready boat built by Ovington Boats Ltd. to mark the class's 80th year. The complete prize package includes Selden spars, Hyde Sails and covers, and a Sailboat Trailers launch trolley.
Every helm and crew competing at the Nationals earns a raffle ticket (see the T&Cs on the NFA website). The draw will take place at the NFA 80th Anniversary Dinner on 21st November 2026 at the Royal Thames Yacht Club.
About the event
The championships are hosted by Tenby Sailing Club on the Pembrokeshire coast, with camping available at the nearby Tenby Rugby Club.
The 2026 Tideway 80th Anniversary National Championships is sponsored by Tideway Wealth. Additional class supporters include Ovington Boats, Selden, Hyde Sails, Sailboat Trailers, Craftinsure and Marlow Ropes.
Enter now at www.tenbysailingclub.org.uk/2026-firefly-nationals (Early entry closes: 12th May 2026)
Full event information at www.fireflyclass.co.uk/event/tideway-80th-nationals-tenby-sc
Up Next for the Firefly Class: Firefly Open Meeting - this Saturday
We're set for a great day of racing at South Staffs, with 23 boats already entered and a strong fleet building. Briefing is at 10:30, with the first warning signal at 10:55.
Online entry closes at midnight on Friday, after which entries will be taken on the day (subject to the 50-boat limit). Get your entry in, get rigged, and we'll see you on the start line.