Hi Fireballers,

It has been a great Fireballing season so far with good winds at several of our regattas. I’ve just returned from the Prairie Winds where 5 Alberta Fireballs traded leads back and forth all weekend in 10 races with moderate winds and 30°C temps. It was very close with the father/son Tichkowsky team taking first, Debbie Kirkby and Chris Gerard second and the father/son Lemke team in third, then Crawford/Hider and Quinlan/Brocke.

Next is the big one – The North American Fireball Championships at Cascade Locks, Oregon on July 27-28 – less than two weeks! ‘The Gorge’ usually delivers, particularly on these hot mid-summer days, with thermal winds generally above 10 knots and often in the teens by afternoon. Come and join us in some friendly competition and good camaraderie for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail in Fireballs at one of the best dinghy-sailing destinations in the world! Information on registration and accommodations can be found at https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/27586#_registration. Camping is adjacent to the grounds of the Columbia Gorge Racing Association and I have one extra campsite pre-booked in my name that’s available for the asking.

Some of us will also be sailing in the Alberta Heritage Classic July 20-21, and the Wabamun Sail Week July 22-28. Looking further ahead, a push is on to get the biggest western Fireball fleet of the year at the BC Champs on Sept 14-15 at Jericho Sailing Centre. There’s a rumour afoot this might be a trial run for 2025 Fireball Canadians…

Come on out to one of these fun Fireball events!

Fair Winds

Richard Quinlan

CAN 14481