The Fireball Munster Championships were held last weekend at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club in stunning weather conditions.
It had seemed like a long time coming but alas the wait was finally over and the eve of the first event of the season for the Fireball class had arrived. Months of harsh winter sailing had been endured and so the event at Monkstown Bay was met with much enthusiasm and excitement from the Fireball sailors who travelled from all over Ireland to attend.
With a backdrop of stunning sunny weather, twenty-five Fireballs were packed in to the dinghy park with competitors rigging at speed, eager to hit the water. Thrummed with anticipation, the busy volunteers prepared for the days racing.
The race area was set off Cuskinny beach in Cork harbour, some distance away from the sailing club. The race team set off early to prepare the triangular course in time for the midday starting gun. The Fireball sailors followed suit, launching early in their excitement for the races to come.
The wind filled in slowly from the Southeast, spreading across the course in an unsettled manner. Big wind shifts were to be the order of business for the day. The committee had a course set right on time despite the shifts.
Three successful races were completed, and the fleet headed for home in the scorching sun. Overnight leaders were Nicola Ferguson and Thomas Chaix of NYC, who sailed a fantastic three races and showed their tactical skills in the best way possible.
Day two of the championship opened in a similar fashion. The wind filled in from the East just as the hoard of Fireballs arrived at the race area. There was a small wait for the breeze to settle but it soon calmed down and proved to be gentle and consistent. With another three races completed, it was Ferguson/Chaix who took first place across the line, ahead of Barry/Rimmington in second place. The Thompsons held on to third place.
This concluded the first event of the season for the Fireball Class, with sailors coming from all over the country. The weather could not have been better, the atmosphere could not have been happier. The class continues to grow rapidly as the people are quickly realising the boat that they have been missing throughout their lives is a Fireball!
(All photos courtesy of R Bateman Photography)