Craftinsure Firefly Nationals at Torbay - Practice Race
by Damian Boreham 3 Aug 2008 03:28 PDT
2-8 August 2008
Action from the Firefly nationals in Torbay © Heather Davies /
www.fotoboat.com
In total 69 Fireflys have signed in at the Royal Torbay Yacht Club for this year's championships. 41 Fireflys ventured out for the practice race which was was won by Mark Tait and Sally Wakefield sailing in F498 Dido. The last time she was sailing here in Torbay was 60 years ago when she was being helmed by Mr W Richter representing Brazil in the 1948 Olympics. Mr Richter had a good regatta with plenty of top ten finishes. So Mark and Sally have continued where he left off, with a very impressive result in the practice race.
Torquay is already living up to is name as the English Riviera, with plenty of sunshine, a warm breeze and blue sea and today looks to be just as good with the overnight rain clearing. Hopefully, everyone's heads will do the same, following the Commodore's reception last night.
The event kicks off for real today with racing for the City of Plymouth Trophy. With the current champions (Steve Tylecote and Sally Wilson) not attending, the championships is wide open. Although Sally Wilson is sailing this year and as the most successfull Firefly sailor of all times, having won with numerous helms the pressure is on her helm this year Ian Sanderson.
There is also plenty of competition in the other events, especially the Under 18s and Tolly Cobbold for Clubs with 4 or more entrants.
A big thank you to our event sponsors Craftinsure.com who have supplied the main prizes and Musto who are sponsoring the Buddies event this year with a prize giving each night.