Firefly 2022 Weekend
Published 12:17 on 7 Nov 2022
The weekend of Nov 5&6 saw Spinnaker host the Firefly 'Twisted Tube' Random Pairs followed by the Spinnaker Firefly Open meeting.
Conditions were a smorgasbord of seasons - Spring-like sunshine, Summer skies then much more Autumnal and even Wintry threatening spells. There were some fierce gusts and squally showers soaking the fleet and testing their resilience.
Travellers attended from many clubs, and were joined by a strong home presence, including lots of Junior crews and some helms too. Winchester College and Bryanston School joined the fun too.
The Twisted Tube Random Pairs is a fast-flowing umpired Team Racing format with over 50 races for the 17 crews. Arranged into multiple short races the teams are assigned a random team pair, and opposition, and they work together to avoid having the last boat over the line. The helms gain either a 'Win' or a 'Lose'. At the end of the race day the crew with the least 'Loses' to their name is the Victor. The umpire boats are kept busy as the helms attempt to slow, send off course and generally frustrate their opponents!
At the end of the event worthy victor is Ewan McLellan and crew Jonquil Hackenberg, with Ben Ainsworth second and a three-way tie for third (Poona's Jono Pank crewed by Spinnaker's Ava, Spinnaker team Neil Marshall/ Emma Barker and Sam Petty crewed by Fi Edwards). 17 tired crews retired to the Clubhouse for tea and awards.
Sunday bought an expectation of strong South Westerlies. In the event the wind was a more moderate 10-12 knots, peaking in one sustained period of 20 kts where the fireflies expecting a beat planed away on a reach.
The Open format comprised 7 race of 20 minutes. That is a lot of concentration and close fleet racing. As the day progressed it became clear that Poona's Jono Pank and Emily Saunderson mastered their starting berth close into the Race Hut and even when not first around the top mark, their exceptional boat speed (in a legendary boat apparently built in 1957), particularly off wind, got them ahead. This team took 6 victories. Hamble's Barney Smith and Katherine Wolfe-Barry sailed a neat set of races taking Race 2, and 4 seconds taking second for the Day. Papercourt's Jason Aldous and Jo Mason took a second and a neat scoreline for overall 3rd. Local Tom Clay and Lewis tuned up as the day went on, particularly on their starts improving, closing on a second in Race 7 and 4th overall.
Taking the two days into account, the overall winner is Jono and Emily. Spinnaker sailors Neil Marshall and Emma Barker (who also win top capsize) take second and Sam Petty and Fi Edwards the 3rd.
The event demonstrated what a great boat the Firefly is accommodating juniors and seniors alike and also what a good water Spinnaker is to sail them. Competitors look forward to a return in 2023!
Many thanks to all who made this happen including Tom Clay, Neil Marshall, Club officials and race officials and safety boat crews Justin, Neil, Phil and Chris.
Full results under the Sailwave results Tab, Open Meetings.
Last updated 15:50 on 12 January 2025
