The Jericho End of Summer Regatta started with very light breeze on Saturday and some breeze on Sunday, that we commented from our boat (Mark and Evelyn), really looked more stormy than it was. The 5 boat fleet all had moments of thinking all the other boats are sitting in better breeze than us.
Congratulations to Grant and Averil Lamont for their BC Championship win.
The signature Fall event for Fireballs in Eastern Canada is the annual Screwball Regatta hosted by the Pointe Claire Yacht Club. Now recognized as the Peter Kelly Memorial Regatta in honour of our friend and fellow Fireballer whose energy, wit and creative talents contributed significantly to the sport; and in particular youth sailing in Quebec.
After a slow start Saturday, which included a postponement on shore due to light and questionable winds, our race committee Cyrille Vittecoq did a superb job to squeeze three races in on Saturday and another two on Sunday.
The use of shorter triangle-windward-leeward courses meant that a good start and locating the maximum wind pressure on the course were keys to success. The winds oscillated slowly to have subtle but not significant bearing on positions. A benefit of the shorter courses was lots of action on the start lines and around the marks. This allowed the racing to be close up and down the fleet of eight boats – there were moments of greatness, as well as despair for all boats!
Congratulations to Pierre Carpentier & Tom Bird from PCYC who won a closely fought battle in the light winds with fellow PCYC Fireballers Joe Jospe & Tom Egli and Ian Maclaren & Rune Lausten, representing the Nepean Sailing Club in Ottawa. Noteworthy, and as highlighted by Joe during some closing remarks was the participation of a core group of eager and talented youth ‘ballers – their camaraderie and fun was visible on and off the water.
Thanks to the Quebec Fireball Association, PCYC and volunteers for a successful event as well as those offering accommodations to out-of-towners.
Results
The Ontario Provincials were held as part of the Nepean One Design regatta. Conditions Saturday were moderate and gusty and the fleet got in 5 races on a long (45 minute) course. Sunday we went out in a light breeze that died completely before any races could be run
1st: Ian Maclaren helming for Rune Lauston. ( Runes boat)
2nd, from Montreal, Bill Strath and Dave Munro
3rd: Andy Carran (helm) and Tricia Carran
Rounding out the fleet were Phil Locker ( with Tiff Lam in her first ever regatta) and Jeremy Kennedy.
Ontario Provincials – September 10 & 11
The first day of the Ontario Provincials at Nepean Sailing Club saw a light and shifty wind, starting with a northerly then finally settling in from the south. Crews spent all day on the water with 5 races sailed. Debbie Kirkby and Rob Levy dominated with 4 firsts and 1 second but were challenged by Pierre Carpentier and Tom Bird with 1 first, 3 seconds, and a 3rd. Bill Strath and Dave Munro were sitting in third with a second, two 3rds, a 4th, and a 5th. With very light winds and a late start, only one additional race was held on the second day. Congratulations to Debbie Kirkby and Robert Levy who finished first with 5 wins and a 2nd place. Pierre Carpentier and Tom Bird kept them on their toes and finished a strong 2nd.
BC Provincial Championship – September 17 & 18
The BC Fireball Championship was decided this past weekend at Jericho Sailing Centre. Eight boats met for a sunny, breezy regatta that turned into a battle of attrition! Despite challenging conditions, competitors enjoyed excellent race management, great facilities, and classic Vancouver views.
The weather was warm and sunny on English Bay and throughout BC and this created a classic thermal wind. In addition to the strong winds of 15-20 knots, There were variable currents and choppy waves, providing interesting and challenging racing. Keeping the boat upright was tough at times, as was steering through the chop to avoid taking waves over the bow. Seeking the left upwind paid off, as the adverse current was less near the shore.
In addition to the treat of having 8 fireballs on the water, it was fun to be near race courses of big racing boats like Stars and 6metres, and also various foiling classes on this busy bay! We showed off the fireball well – both afloat and ashore.
The top three teams were the only three to complete all races: Rob and Wynn took the top prize, but were closely chased throughout the event by Richard and Vincent, who took second. Liam and Rebecca showed their mettle and took third in a new-to-them boat.
https://jracing.org/event_results.php?tab_count=2&event=564%26%2661
Nationals and Screwball, September 17 &18
With no wind or races on Saturday, the 2022 Canadians Nationals were decided over just three races on a cold, rainy and surprisingly windy, a very Screwball kind of Sunday.
Congratulations go out to Joe Jospe and Tom Egli for winning all three races.
As Stephanie Whittaker wrote, the regatta was held in honor of Peter Kelly who will be forever missed by many in our fleet.
https://gnsracing.com/results/2022/Fireball_Screwball_2022.htm
