Fireball Pre-Worlds Regatta Begins on Lough Derg

18th August 2022

Cormac Bradley

The 60th Anniversary Fireball Flag flies over Lough Derg this morning – maybe not so healthily as we might like, but at least it’s flying Credit: Cormac Bradley

This morning in Lough Derg the Fireballs have grey skies and low clouds on the County Clare side of the water.

A briefing is scheduled for 10:30 from Race Officer Con Murphy (IRO) who arrived on site this morning. Racing in the Irish Nationals which will double up as the Pre-Worlds is down for a 12-noon start, with three races on the agenda.

The Australians, Heather McFarlane & Chris Payne arrived yesterday and took to the water as soon as they could, not having seen their boat for close to three years.

Yesterday, 45 boats went through the measurement process with some very favourable comments on the speed and efficiency with which this process was carried out.

Photo (by Cormac Bradley): The 60th Anniversary Fireball Flag flies over Lough Derg this morning – maybe not so healthily as we might like, but at least it’s flying.

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Cormac Bradley

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Dublin Bay Fireballer Cormac Bradley was appointed Rear Commodore of the International Fireball Class in 2017. He is a regular dinghy and one design correspondent on Afloat.ie

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Fireball: 60 years of history

Designed in 1962 by British naval architect Peter Milne, the Fireball is a two-person dinghy with spinnaker and trapeze, combining simplicity of construction, high performance and accessibility. Over the years, it has been a training ground for generations of sailors, developing skills in tactics and technique, and producing champions who later moved on to Olympic and offshore challenges. More than half a century later, it remains one of the most vibrant and passionate classes, also thanks to initiatives such as the Under 25 category, designed to engage new generations and keep the tradition alive.

At A Glance – Fireball Dinghy Specs

Crew 2 (single trapeze)
LOA 16 ft 2 in (4.93 m)
Beam 4 ft 6 in (1.37 m)
Hull weight 175 lb (79 kg)
Mast height 22.3 ft (6.8 m)
Mainsail area 108 sq ft (10.0 m2).
Jib / Genoa area 35 sq ft (3.3 m2).
Spinnaker area 140 sq ft (13 m2).