Firefly Craftinsure Vines Series event at Papercourt Sailing Club
by Barnaby Smith 8 Oct 02:48 NZDT
29 September 2024
Sometimes we all wonder why we do it? That was certainly the case for competitors at the 2024 Papercourt Open in conditions one poor soul described as "the worst wind in 30 years of sailing here".
Despite that nine Fireflys had a great time competing in a cracking four race series even when most of the legs on the figure of 8 course involved tacking, gybing, beating, running and reaching, usually within just a few boat lengths, whilst the wind varied between zero and 20 knots.
Barney Smith & Alannah Hebbert from Hamble River SC took home the trophy scoring an impressive 1, 1, 3, 1 despite needing a time out in race 3 whilst completing a port/starboard induced 720. Unlike the America's cup the Firefly Class religiously obeys 13.2!
Barney & Alannah's quest for victory was significantly helped by second placed Alex Baxter & Rachel Crebbin (OCSS & Chichester YC) missing race 1 whilst reassembling Scruffy. Apparently Alex had lent her out for a previous event and she'd come back in a different and rather unhelpful 'configuration'. Home club hero and event organiser Jason Aldous sailing with Jo Mason finished third overall.
The event was brilliantly supported by the RGS Guildford Firefly fleet. Top School boat in an excellent fifth overall were Josh Jacobs & Harry Grosvenor.
With the contrary winds and close contacts all around the course the school kids certainly learnt a few new interpretations of the racing rules of sailing from their elders, but they remained cheerful throughout, and hopefully got in some excellent tacking practice prior to the Eric Twiname team racing in a couple of weeks.
Papercourt were amazing hosts with very welcome bacon sandwiches on arrival, a fabulous lunch, and amazing tea and cake after racing included in the very good value for money entry fee. Frank the race officer and his team also demonstrated incredible patience and skill in mark moving whilst the wind swirled through the trees, a feat rewarded with a well deserved bottle of wine at the prize-giving.
Many thanks as always to our travellers Vines Series sponsor, Craftinsure.