Fireball North American Championships at Pointe Claire Yacht Club - Day 1

Fireball North American Championships - day 1 © Derian Scott

The boat park was pretty empty early in the morning as we all hid from the rain, thunder and lightening. By noon the rain had stopped and we launched in a light southerly wind which built to F2-3.

Race 1

After a short postponement the fleet got away on a very pin end biased line. Most at the pin were caught out by the current and a further left shift and were unable to cross the line on starboard. Right seemed favoured up the beat with our FI Commodore Christina, sailing with brother Cedric, leading with Keith and Nick first of the Brits. They were eventually overtaken by Claude and Ruedi (Swiss) with Waggers and Dobbo climbing to third.

Race 2

The wind was lighter and flipping around a bit. Again the fleet got off cleanly and this time those who went left came out on top. Derian and Andy rounded the windward mark first followed by the same two Swiss teams, Keith and Nick, and Heather and Chris (Aus). The Scotts held their lead for a lap and in the dying breeze the two Swiss teams sneaked in front at the second windward mark rounding.

Down the run it looked like the Brits might have regained the lead, but as the wind dropped completely, the race was abandoned and we were all towed back to the club.

Nachos and dips were provided to the fleet to keep us sustained until the evening's delicious BBQ.

We're aiming for three races on day 2 to catch up on the series.

Results after Day 1: