Firefly National Championships 2024 at Restronguet Sailing Club - Day 5

Day 5 of the Firefly nationals held the most coveted race of the championships, the Sir Ralph Gore Trophy, for which the Deed of Gift stipulates a minimum 13-mile triangular course.

The competitors were treated to glorious sailing conditions out in the bay off Pendennis Castle, with clear blue skies and wind ranging from 8 to 15 knots. Also being raced for was the Marlow trophy for the silver fleet.

The line start got away cleanly with an early left shift that set the tone for the first few beats. The leading pack at the first mark contained Roger Morris and Izzy Bretherton, Jono Pank and Helena Lucas, and Angus McEwen with Robbie Hudson. Angus and Robbie were competing for the Marlowe, but that didn't stop them taking the lead and then extending to be 50m ahead at the end of the second lap.

As the race committee continued to shift the windward mark to the left, there was another big left hander at the top of the third beat. Unfortunately for McEwen/Hudson, they were not far enough left and were passed by several boats including Terry and Annabelle Hacker, Pank/Lucas and Steve Tylecote with Tasha Armstrong. Also charging up through the fleet were Alex and Stella Davey, who were recovering from rounding the first mark mid-fleet and were now fourth. At the beginning of the fifth and final beat, the Hackers led from Tylecote/Armstrong, followed by Pank/Lucas and the Daveys. The first three applied the lesson of the previous beats and went left, but the Daveys had a good cushion behind so split to the right. This turned out to be a good decision, and when the group recombined near the finish the Daveys were second, hot on the heels of the Hackers. A tacking battle ensued, and when the two boats crossed the line after 2.5 hours of racing, the Hackers won by quarter of a boat length from the Daveys. Third were Tylecote/Armstong followed by Pank/Lucas, and Angus Cook with Lucie Hopkins took fifth after a strong final beat.

McEwen/Hudson took 11th in the Gore and first in the Marlow, just ahead of Harry Rowlands and Harry Burge. Third in the Marlowe was Thommie Grit with Hannah Crogan.

Firefly Nationals at Restronguet Gore Prize Giving - photo © Frances Davison

After the long beat home, the fleet was refreshed by spraying of bubbly at the traditional Gore/Marlow prize-giving. Thanks to our class supporters for their generous support and prizes Marlow Ropes, Craftinsure, Allen Sailing, kSailEvents, Selden Mast, Sailboat Trailers, Ovington Boats and Hyde Sails.

Gore / Marlow Results:

Results after Day 5: