Firefly Class Smashes Last Year's Nationals Entry Limit with Months to Go - Youth Leading the Charge
by National Firefly Association 10 Apr 06:21 PDT
8-14 August 2026
2022 Firefly Nationals in Tenby - Day 4 © Alistair Mackay
The Tideway 80th Anniversary Nationals at Tenby Sailing Club have already exceeded last year's sold-out entry total, with over 40% of the helms under 21 and a new race-ready Ovington Firefly up for grabs in the anniversary raffle (see T&C's on our website).
The National Firefly Association has announced that entries for the 2026 Tideway 80th Anniversary National Championships are very nearly at the limit surpassing last year's sold-out limit of 75 entries with the event at Tenby Sailing Club still months away.
With early-bird price entries open until 12th May, and racing not until 9th August, the class expects the entry limit to be quickly met. The last time the Firefly gathered a fleet of this size was at Abersoch in 2006, the class's 60th anniversary regatta, where 106 boats competed.
Of the entries already confirmed, 18 are female helms, 20 are helmed by sailors under 18, and a further 14 aged 18 to 21. More than 40% of the current helms are under 21 plus many more of the crews. It is a striking statistic for a class celebrating its 80th year: the Firefly is as popular with the next generation of racers as it has ever been.
Jenny Smallwood, Chairwoman of the National Firefly Class Association, said: "We sold out last year at 75 boats, so to have already gone far beyond that with entries still open is brilliant. What really excites me though is the age profile. The Firefly has always been a class where you race hard, make friends for life, and have a proper summer holiday at the same time. Seeing so many young sailors choosing to be part of that tells you the class has something genuinely special, and we expect entries to keep going up."
Adding to the occasion, the NFA has launched a major anniversary raffle giving every competitor the chance to win Firefly F4444, a new 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 automatically (see T&C's). The draw takes place at the NFA 80th Anniversary Dinner on 21st November 2026 at the Royal Thames Yacht Club.
The championships are hosted by Tenby Sailing Club on the Pembrokeshire coast, with camping available at the adjacent Tenby Rugby Club, a practical and popular option that underlines the social character of the event. The Firefly Nationals has long been as much a highlight of the summer social calendar as a competitive regatta and summer holiday wrapped up in one massive extravaganza, and Tenby's compact, vibrant atmosphere is well suited to both.
Designed by Uffa Fox and first launched in 1947, the Firefly has remained a compelling one-design prospect across eight decades. A strict class rule that keeps older hulls competitive has helped the class maintain both accessibility and depth.
The 2026 entry, and its age profile, suggest the next eight decades are in safe hands.
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