Fireballs at Staunton Harold SC

Tim Saunders reports on the first open meeting of the season

A strong fleet of 34 boats including 15 home boats took part in the first Fireball open of the 2005 season. The first race saw Andy Smith and Jonny Mildred build a huge lead only to be OCS. Behind, Grahame Newton/Mark Stevens held off Kevin Hope/Russell Thorne to win the first of seven races. Smith/Mildred made certain they won race 2, with Andy Pearce/Adam Broughton second and Mark Maskell/Vic Gomez third.

A shorter third race saw Dave Wade/Richard Wagstaff take line honours with Newton gaining second right on the finish line tacking between Smith and Pearce. Following the racing Maddog’s brew was served after which a fine three course dinner was enjoyed by many of the competitors.

Sunday morning brought lighter conditions, but a similar shifty North Westerly wind direction. Race 4 saw a different top 3 with Simon Maskell/Jon Watkins winning from Adam Whitehouse/Mike Woodward and Derian Chandler/Olly Goldsmith. Pearce won race 5 enhancing his chances overall but followed it with a tenth in race 6 which saw yet another race winner, this time Mark Maskell. The final race was to be the decider, After a recalled start Wade held on for first from Richard Estaugh/Rob Gardner. This gave Wade the event from Newton on count back giving the same top two for the third year in a row. Typhoon generously provided 3 wetsuits for the prize draw and prize winners also took home bottles of specially produced local wine.

1st Silver Fleet 14807 Brett Cokayne/Tom Foskett, Staunton Harold
1st Bronze Fleet 14266 Dee Fleming/Terry Forbes, Staunton Harold
1st Classic Fleet 14103 Ian Priest/Mike Stoddart, King George
1st Lady Helm –Derian Chandler, Chew Valley
1st Lady Crew – Lesley Foskett, Staunton Harold