9 Fireballs enjoy excellent wind conditions at the Filey Regatta.
100 boats entered the 2009 event at Filey Sailing Club, a lower turnout than would normally take part, however, taking the weather forecast into account for the days preceding the event – a 100 boat entry proved to actually be an excellent turnout and proves the popularity of this North based sailing club, and the reputation that the Craft Insure Filey Regatta holds.
On Friday, Filey was subjected to a deluge of rain, strong winds, fog and brought back thoughts and memories of 2007’s forced cancellation.
However, the rain blew through, the fog and mist lifted and though a little dull the event commenced with boats arriving on Friday evening and constantly throughout Saturday morning, this despite an inshore weather forecast predicting wind on Saturday of F5 to F7 with possibilities of gusts at F8 early on.
Those that didn’t travel actually missed out on great wind and exciting waves throughout the 2 day event. On Saturday the race officers ran 2 courses, a reverse ‘P’ and a windward/leeward course for asymmetrics. On the ‘P’ course, 6 classes had their own start along with a general handicap fleet of mixed entries. The windward leeward course was set further out to sea in Filey bay and a fleet of 9 RS 200’s accompanied the general handicap fleet. The ‘P’ course sailed 4 races over the weekend whilst the windward leeward fleets battled out over 6 races.
On Saturday wind strength was in the region of 15 – 17 mph from the north, north west, with some stronger gusts and challenging waves building up in the swell. Overnight the wind strength decreased to a more manageable 12 – 14 mph and the direction shifted to a southerly, south west direction which calmed the sea down considerably still providing exciting conditions for the traveling sailors though not testing either the helms or their kit as had happened the previous day.
A handful of Filey helms entered the event, notable Filey results were on the windward leeward course with James Whitehead of Primrose valley winning the general handicap fleet, and Filey’s Colin Aldred taking 4th place on the same course – both helmsman sailing Laser Vortex dinghies.
The guests were hosted well by Filey SC and on Sunday the Regatta prize giving was held on the recently completed decking balcony. Filey Commodore – Paul Tyndall closing the event and acting as master of ceremonies with Mayor of Filey, Councilor Sam Cross presenting the trophies to the successful winners.
A new trophy was awarded this year, The Filey Town Council ‘Tide Clock’ – a new initiative supported by the town council and developed by Filey members, Chris Place and Helen Rhodes. A brass tide clock mounted on a light oak plinth and this trophy is presented each year to the sailing club that has the most number of entrants in Filey Regatta
The winning club was Beaver Sailing Club which is near Snaith in East Yorkshire who had 12 boats entering in various fleets. A group photograph was taken of various Beaver SC members and with Commodore Tyndall and Mayor Cross.
During the prize giving Commodore Tyndall gave thanks to Filey’s members who run this annual event. An event of this size is remarkable from a relatively small club. The club receives much help and support from individuals who support by bringing their safety craft and thanks must also be given to Regatta sponsors, Craft Insure who worked closely with the event team and supported the event.
