Firefly National Championship at Tenby Sailing Club - Day 4

Over the years Wednesday of the Firefly Nationals has become known as "Big Wednesday". It is traditionally the day of The Sir Ralph Gore and Marlow Challenge Cups, an epic 13 Nautical mile pain-fest around massive triangles, followed by prize-giving complete with champagne spraying. Unfortunately the weather Gods weren't feeling very traditional this year.

The deed of gift of the magnificent (or Phat/Heckin' Choncc according to the students) silver Gore Cup does not allow for the race to be shortened or rescheduled - presenting a problem when there's only a very short possible wind window to sail it in. So, for only the third [?] time in it's illustrious 76 year history the Race Committee were forced to make the decision not to sail for the Gore Cup and only race points race 5.

2022 Firefly Nationals in Tenby - Day 4 - photo © Alistair Mackay

PRO Nigel Denchfield informed the sailors that he was expecting to raise Delta just after ten and the first warning signal would be at 10:55 but the forecast SE breeze never materialised and the AP over five was hoisted, hanging limply from the flagpole in the pitiful 2kts. This meant another long wait ashore for the fleet, some nursing horrific hangovers from an excellent Crews Union the night before.

By lunchtime most had ventured into town to perfect their fancy dress for the afterparty - We like to keep our fancy dress current and this year's theme, as decided by a landslide vote, was Downing Street Party - it was going to be so big we'd need an enquiry into whether it actually took place or not!

Following the long postponement and much essential fancy dress preparation, the Delta went up at 15:54 and PRO Nigel Denchfield sent the fleet out for Race 5, starting at 16:30.

2022 Firefly Nationals in Tenby - Day 4 - photo © Alistair Mackay

Alex Baxter and Joe Scarborough in F2246 'Scruffy' opened the gate as pathfinder, the early starters picked up some better pressure, gained on the first shift and crossed the later starters comfortably.

By the first mark, Jono Pank and Tomeaka Diaz in F1954 'Pogie' rounded first, followed by Steve Tylcoate and Alice Lucy if F3037 'Grasshopper'. Yesterday's winners Dom and Issy Johnson if F3154 'Gemini Too' led the pack, with championship leaders, Paul Kameen & Evie Snedker in F2018 'Biscuit Buffalo', on their tails.

Dom and Issy had a "bit of a moment" at the gybe mark, allowing Paul and Evie to take a passing lane on the lengthy, cross tide, bottom reach. The front three jostled through the three laps with reasonable stable light conditions, but all held their positions at all marks giving Jono and Tomeaka the bullet and this year's Championships it's sixth different race winner in the six races sailed!!

Steve and Lucy held second, ahead of Paul and Evie in third. Meanwhile throughout the fleet, Nigel Wakefield and Emily Saunderson if F3007 'TipTopToo' sailed a blinder to pull through the melee from a deep first mark to claim a stunning fourth.

2022 Firefly Nationals in Tenby - Gore Cup afterparty - photo © NFA

Once ashore the fleet piled back to their accommodation to get ready for the afterparty for the Gore that never was. As expected from a fancy dress party after a long postponement there were some amazing costumes including the Queen, Jacob Rees Mogg, a trio of Larry the Cat, the Muppets Go to Barnard Castle and the wine and cheese. There are unconfirmed rumours of the Oar of Gore making an appearance but if you want the inside track you'll have to wait for the Frances Davison (Duckhams) report ??

At the end of day four Paul Kameen and Evie Snedker still lead but with a reduced margin from Jono Pank and Tomeake Diaz. Steve Tylecote and Alice Lucy hang on in third, just ahead of Nigel Wakefield and Emily Saunderson who leapfrogged leading students James Hammett and Tiger Tellwright in fifth with a resurgent Stuart and Robbie Hudson breathing down their necks in sixth.

2022 Firefly Nationals in Tenby - Gore Cup afterparty - photo © NFA

Results after day 4:

2022 Firefly Nationals in Tenby - Gore Cup afterparty - photo © NFA