56th Firefly Nationals in Hamble this August

by Barney Smith 18 Jun 2002 11:40 BST

56th Firefly National Championship - Hamble River Sailing Club August 24th-30th 2002

It might not be summer weather at the moment but we're now only two months away from the 2002 Firefly National Championship. This year, the 56th running of this classic event for the original manufacturers one design will be held at Hamble River Sailing Club in Hampshire. HRSC and the National Firefly Association would like to invite Firefly owners and friends to compete in what promises to be a fantastic week of sailing and socializing on the waters of the Solent.

This year the Nationals theme is "Fireflies coming home", not a topical reference to the Football World Cup, but because Hamble is the location where Fairey Marine built over 3000 wooden Fireflies between 1946 and 1972. Of course times have changed. The current class builder Rondar now produces boats in GRP. However, the Fireflies appeal is still the same, with over 150 new boats being sold to schools, universities, clubs and keen racers, young and old since 1997. The fleet at the Nationals is always a diverse mix of youth, students, recent graduates and families. However, unlike most classes it is still not necessary to have a new boat to win, and everyone competes on level terms. The 2001 National Championships, held at Weymouth SC, was won by Firefly 1954 'Pogie', built in 1961, sailed by Jono Pank and Sally Wilson, who just beat off the challenge of Ian Sanderson and Linda Eadie sailing a 2 year old Rondar boat.

This years Nationals kicks off on the August bank holiday weekend, and a total of 9 points races are planned, including the famous "Sir Ralph Gore" Challenge Trophy on Wednesday afternoon. Although the standard at the top of the fleet is high, there is a wide range of ability on show each year, and prizes will go to all sections of the fleet. Up to 60 boats are expected to compete in the series with a significant number of youngsters taking part, including 14 from Hamble River SC who will sail the clubs new and colourful fleet of Fireflies which are all sponsored by local organisations.

Features of this years event include:

Reduced entry fees for 1st time helms and the under 18s.
Easy Access from across the country. Hamble is near the M27 motorway, only 10 miles from Southampton
The event starts on the August Bank holiday weekend so you get 7 days of sailing for only 4 days holiday!
Several 2 race days - individual race lengths from 1-2 hours
Gate and line Starts over a variety of courses
Excellent Race Officials, The PRO's practice event is the Commodores Cup!
Social shenanigans included in the entry fee include; Duckhams Trophy every night; the notorious "Ornament Tournament"; Wooden Boat, Tupperware and Crews Union Parties, A Pimms Hawaiian Evening; Wednesday night "Solent booze cruise"; several Discos and BBQs and a Commodores welcome Reception.
Cheap camping available within walking distance of the Club. Hamble and the surrounding area has a wide variety of other accomodation.

Entry forms and further information can be found on both the Firefly Class website and the Hamble River Sailing Club website. If you'd like to speak to someone about attending this years Firefly Nationals please contact Hamble River Sailing Club (Tel: 02380 452070) or the National Firefly Association Chairman Barney Smith (Tel: 01235 819261).