Time to dust off that old Fireball

Class announces a number of events to include the Fireball Classic Fleet

2003 sees the introduction of the Classic Fleet to the Fireball open circuit. The Fireball has always been a sociable boat that welcomes competitors of all ages and abilities. With the introduction of the Classic Fleet there really is something for every one to race for.

Why introduce a classic fleet?

The Fireball is a class with a long history and a splendid heritage. There are many Fireballs, of all ages, sailed with passion at many clubs around the UK. Second-hand Fireballs can be picked up from as little as £250 and can provide superb racing for their owners. Recognising that some of these older boats are not quite up to the same speed as the latest, epoxy boats the Classic Fleet has been introduced to provide a competition for all those who want to enjoy racing their Fireball without worrying about the latest kit.

How is it run?

The Classic Fleet is a fleet within a fleet. All the boats start at the same time and everyone takes part in the main race. The results for the Classic Fleet are extracted from the main results.

What is a Classic Fireball?

Well the technical committee sat down and this is what they came up with:

Boat Builder Qualifying Criteria

Stanley & Thomas All boats built
Rondar All boats built
Plycraft All boats built
HPS All boats built
Chippendale All boats built
Rowsell & Morrison All boats built
R . Moores & Son All boats built
Bob Hoare Numbers up to 13856
Severn Numbers up to 14000
Winder Numbers up to 14109 plus boat number 14129
Goodwin Numbers up to 14200

All amateur built boats with numbers up to 14000 will automatically qualify. The Technical Members on the Committee will assess boats over that number on a boat - by - boat basis.

What events are planned as Classic Events?

There are four events planned this year for the Classic Fleet series. They are spread around the country and tie in with the Typhoon Fireball Super Series so a high turnout is guaranteed.

7/8 June, Chew Valley Lake SC
21/22 June, Highcliff SC
30/31 August, West Riding SC
13/14 September, Notts County SC

If your boat comes within the Classic Fleet and you can make it to any of these events, you could be walking off at the end of the weekend as a winner! There will be separate prizes at each event for the winner of the Classic Fleet and an overall prize at the end for the winner of the Classic Fleet Series.

There will also be a Classic Fleet category at the Inland Championships at Grafham Water on the weekend of 31st May/1st June and the National Championships at Paignton from the 2nd to 9th August. Many other opens are also awarding prizes for the first Classic boat.

31st May/1st June, Grafham Inland Championships
2nd/9th August, Paignton National Championships

So no matter the age of your boat or your ability (remember there will also be Gold, Silver and Bronze fleets at many of these events) there is now even more reason to come out to play and join the Fireball party.

For more information on the Classic Fleet and all these events go to www.fireball-dinghy.org.uk or contact the Classic Fleet Representative Barrie Winship on 01730892013