The early start because of tide times did not keep away the keen teams from Blackwater SC’s Annual Fireball open. The penultimate event of the Golden Dolphin traveller’s series sponsored by Gul proved to be a challenge for many of the teams both mentally on Saturday and through stamina on Sunday.
Three races were held on the first day in a changeable southerly breeze; as the clouds passed the wind changed considerably both in direction and strength. The first race was led by Isaac & Olly chased by Dave & Paul. However, while they were engrossed in their own battle they and a number of others omitted to look at the flags to see the shorten course allowing BSC fleet captain Charlie & Malcolm to take a win with Peter & Tom second and Kevin & Russell third.
In the second race of the day Dave & Paul made no mistakes taking the lead and extending it though the race taking advantage of being at the front of every shift. Isaac & Olly followed in second with Mark & Nigel third. For the last race of the day Peter & Tom took the lead at the first mark and were also able to extend their lead through the race taking every shift. Isaac & Olly came in second with Dave & Paul third after taking Bryan & Will on the last run.
After the day's racing the traditional Fish and Chip supper was followed by a tour of the local Maldon hostels.
Sunday dawned to a solid 20 – 25 knots from the south. With epic reaches and runs it was fun for most and a struggle for a few. Dave & Paul took the first race with Paul & Adam second and Peter and Tom third. The final race of the weekend saw Isaac & Olly storm in from the left up the first beat and open up a substantial lead. There was battle for the next few places with the usual suspects and after some tight racing Dave & Paul managed to pull through to second after some drama with the spinnaker.
Thanks must go to Blackwater SC and the race team and of course all the helpers on shore and in the club house. Plus Gul for all the prizes through the fleet for Silver and bronze and support for the event.
Photo by Zoe Nelson.
