2006 is a very special year for the Firefly Class as it is 60 years old. Many classes come and go over the years and despite its age the Firefly Class is going from strength to strength. With always over 50 boats at the nationals, over 40 new boats being built a year for the last 5 years, a growing membership, a very active and well attended open meeting circuit. We have lots to celebrate. So over 2006 we are going to a have a number of Special 60th Anniversary Events. Here are some of the events:
Royal St. George 22nd/23rd April 06
The Fireflies have a long history with Royal St. George in Dublin. They
have hosted nationals in the past and always have a fleet of Fireflies
for team racing. So for the 60th anniversary they are running a special
open where they will provide the boats from the various colleges around
Dublin. With over 30 boats it will be a fantastic event with racing in
heats if required. So no need to tow your boat, just turn up and the boat
hire is included in your entry fee. It will be a great weekend of sailing
and sure to be an excellent party on the Saturday night.
Thames Open May 20th/21st
This is going to be a special two event hosted by Thames SC and Tamesis
with one day at each club a race in between and a party on the Saturday
night. So will be a great reason to come to SW London for the weekend
and race at some of the oldest clubs in the country.
Itchenor Burgee 24th/25th June 06
Itchenor has always had Fireflies as long as time with lots of famous
Firefly sailors still based at Itchenor we have arranged a two day open.
It will be very well attended and is great Firefly territory! With two
races on the Saturday a dinner and a long race around the harbour on Sunday
for the infamous Burgee! Numbers will be limited for the dinner there
will be an entry form available on line to get your entry in early. It
will an excellent weekend.
Crewsaver 60th Firefly Nationals 5th-11th August 06
The Big One! It is going to be one of the biggest nationals of the summer
and will be the biggest for a long time for the Fireflies. Well over 100
boats expected. Entry forms available already online. Entry starts at
£115 with a £20 reduction for under 21 s and over 65 s. The
entry fee includes all parties, 2 live bands, disco, food on 2 nights
and all your racing. So get your entry in soon to get a free T-Shirt also
worth booking accommodation soon as it is a busy holiday resort.
West Kirby 60th Dinner 26th-28th August 06
West Kirby SC is hosting an extra special open with a 60th Celebration
Dinner. As a hotbed of Firefly sailing and with a legendary status of
hosting events like the Wilson Trophy, WKSC are going to host a long weekend
of racing on the tide and marine lake so great for spectator then a dinner
so we can celebrate 60 years of Firefly sailing.
Upper Thames Open 16th-17th September 06
This event will be a handicapped event for all Fireflies. So all Fireflies
race on a level par. So if you have the newest Rondar Firefly to an original
with, brass fittings, rotating mast, steel centreplate and cotton sails
your time will be adjusted to make the racing equalised. It will be great
to see all ages of Fireflies racing. Then on the Saturday evening UTSC
are going to prepare a special dinner and with the expected numbers a
marquee has been arranged.
Inland Championships Rutland SC 11th/12th November 06
The inlands is always a great event to come and do battle with your Firefly.
So for the 60th we are going to one of the biggest and best inland waters
in the UK. We had our 50th Inlands at Rutland and it was a fantastic event.
If you can not make the nationals the next event to do is the inlands.
2006 is going to an amazing year for the class on and off the water.
The NFA have put a lot of effort to ensure that we have great events throughout
2006 to celebrate 60 years of the Firefly. If you do not normally travel
to open meetings, why not as a 60th anniversary special pick one and come
along, we would love to see you. I promise you will be glad you made the
effort! If you are a regular on the circuit I expect to see you at all
the Special 60th Anniversary events! If you do not fancy sailing do not
let that put you off we would love to see you at one of the dinners or
just to watch the racing. If you have any questions please do not hesitate
to get in contact.
Best Wishes
Will Mason
willmason@blueyonder.co.uk
