With a final entry of 111 this year’s Crewsaver 60th Firefly Nationals at Abersoch is now officially the biggest Firefly Class Championship for 20 years.

Race 1 of the Championships, for the City of Plymouth Trophy, took place on Sunday in a light and shifty westerly. With the race officer keen to stamp his authority on the fleet, the black flag came out on start attempt number 2, and 25 boats took an early bath, being sent back to the beach before the fleet managed to get away at the third time of asking.

When racing finally commenced Steve Tylecote and Sally Wilson sailing ‘Grasshopper’ shot off the line into a commanding lead and were never headed. Dave Chisholm and Kerry Ryan, sailing Firefly 888, built in 1951, had a great race to finish second, with Nigel Wakefield and Emily Saunderson coming home third.

Off the water, the fleet has been enjoying the Abersoch atmosphere with and last night the Duckhams dressed was handed on to Amy and Roger Morris.

Results (Race 1, City of Plymouth Trophy)

1st 3037 Grasshopper, Steven Tylecote and Sally Wilson Spinnaker Club
2nd 888 Desperado, Dave Chisholm and Kerry Ryan Waldringfield SC
3rd 3674 Fio, Nigel Wakefield and Emily Saunderson Wessex Exiles
4th 2594 Bloodhound, Shaun Barber and Leslie Ryan Hamble River SC
5th 3625 Grant Murphy, and Alice Gardner Wessex Exiles

6th 3747 Growler, Anthony Gunstone and Lucie Hopkins Castaways