Typhoon Fireball Nationals at Porthpean Sailing Club overall

DJ Edwards & Vyv Townend win the Fireball nationals at Porthpean © Mike Rice / www.fotoboat.com

The big question on Thursday night was whether the forecast force eight gale would come through and cancel the final day’s sailing. By the morning the gale had come and gone, as many of those who camped were well aware! It was to the surprise of many, that the fleet was greeted with a misty morning and a light breeze. There was a short delay as race officer Peter Pope held the fleet for half an hour while the mist cleared.

With first and second places overall already decided both DJ and Vyv and Stevie and Ben decided to sit out the final day. There was an air of expectation within the fleet with two race trophies still to be fought for.

Out on the race course there was a five to eight knot breeze. 2003 National Champions Kevin Hope and Rob Gardner lead at the windward mark, in race nine, a lead that they would hold to the finish line. Vince Horey and Jon Mildred made Kevin and Rob fight hard for their race win, while third place went to Angus Hemmings and Steve Chesney.

By race two the breeze had built to between eight and ten knots. At the windward mark it was close between 2004 World Champion Andy Smith and Russell Thorne, followed by Andy Pearce and Adam Broughton, then Derian Chandler and Olly Goldsmith. Derian had extra pressure on her as she was also chasing the first lady helm prize. During the race places changed frequently, a choice had to be made between the favoured shift on the right or the extra pressure on the left. At the end of the race it was Andy and Russell who lead at the gun, followed by the Vince and Jon who once again claimed second place, securing them third spot overall.

Overall Results: