The BC fireball championships brought together 8 boats from Victoria, Vancouver, and the Okanogan! Matchmaking was a highlight of this regatta, largely a result of Liam’s efforts towards pairing people up to fill boats and get them on the water. Three boats were sailed by non-owners or combined crews.  

Day 1 of the 2024 BC Fireball Championships at Jericho Sailing Centre gave us strong flood tides pushing into light and fickle easterlies. There was exciting racing with position changes happening often both upwind and downwind. The day was drizzly and grey but the mood was upbeat as we admired several refurbished boats. Jim proudly sailed in his resurrected wooden beauty with Trevor crewing, while the second wooden boat of Rich Helmer’s was loaned to Jericho Laser sailors Bob and Kate.

Day 2 brought sun and blue skies and a thermal of 15 knots gusting to 20. It was a bit much for some, leading to capsizes and breakdowns, but was thrilling for others. Julian, skipping his old boat with Jamie (a bright orange Winder named Tangaroo), it’s current owner, achieved a solid regatta win. It was never a romp, as they were battled closely in every race, but their skill usually led them to the front at the finish line. Congrats on some great sailing and we hope you guys will team up again soon. Mark with new crew Ryan sailed well and had a remarkable come-from-behind win to close the Saturday sailing. They edged-out Richard and Liam for second place. The Quinlans were often ahead in starts and early legs, but were plagued by mark-rounding errors causing costly passes. Shannon, Kelly, and Eric were strongly-positioned after day 1, but slipped back a bit in the big winds of day 2. Tanja, an accomplished Radial and keelboat sailor, sailed to 5^th with Jericho Laser sailor, David, on day 1 and Liam’s friend, James, on Day 2. Tanja has often been seen in Liz’s Winder this year and we hope she’ll keep coming back. Laser sailors Bob and Kate placed 6^th and showed their adaptability by finishing every race in trying conditions. It was nice to see Fireball board members Greg and Evelyn teamed up to sail to 7^th in the class they love so much. Jim and Trevor showed great mettle heading out for the second day after being away from the class for so long.  

With challenging winds and currents and boats needing assistance, it was reassuring to have the Jericho race committee and rescue boats with us. Dominic, Safety and Events Manager, is a highly competent leader of this excellent team that gave us such fun and safe sailing in English Bay. Dominic is a good friend of the Fireball fleet and has offered to host the 2025 Canadian Championships, pending discussions about dates and format. Stay tuned!

Check out the exciting Drone footage from Jericho Sailing Association at the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_H4XwEneGMUuRKZEAo0O_5z0KZwARA2B

Also the slideshow below of photos from 2nd place finisher Ryan Jmaeff and regatta chair Dominique Labrosse