The 2025 Fireball World Championship kicked off in record-breaking style, hosted by Circolo Vela Arco and running on the waters of Lake Garda – Trentino until Friday, 29 August. A total of 136 boats from 14 nations are competing, the largest Fireball fleet ever assembled outside the Anglo-Saxon countries in the class’s history.
The line-up features a wide range of sailors: Olympic athletes and world champions racing alongside amateurs who have seized the opportunity to combine their passion for sailing with a trip to Italy. It is a clear example of “sports tourism”, very popular in Anglo-Saxon countries, and well embodied by the Fireball class, which offers a unique blend of competition and fun. Crews also reflect this diversity, with father-and-son duos, husband-and-wife teams, long-time friends, and a mix of ages and sailing backgrounds.
DJ Edwards and Vyv Townend (GBR), already world champions, dominated day one with two clear wins at the 2025 Fireball World Championship hosted by Circolo Vela Arco and running on the waters of Lake Garda Photo: Elena Giolai
Great Britain leads the entries with 37 teams, followed by Italy with 21 boats. From as far away as Australia, an impressive 17 entries mark a record for the class outside the continent. Strong contingents also come from the Czech Republic and France (15 boats each), Ireland (10) and Switzerland (9), with additional teams from Canada, Belgium, Kenya, South Africa, Germany, Slovakia and Slovenia.
A total of 136 boats from 14 nations are competing at the 2025 Fireball World Championship hosted by Circolo Vela Arco and running on the waters of Lake Garda Photo: Elena Giolai
On the opening day, two races were completed as scheduled, sailed in southerly Ora winds of around 15 knots and above, with rain during the second race. The sight of all 136 boats lined up on an 800-metre start line was truly spectacular. On the water, the most experienced crews quickly took charge: DJ Edwards – Vyv Townend (GBR), already world champions, dominated with two clear wins. Close behind were the Swiss Yves Mermod – Maja Siegenthaler with scores of 2-3, followed by Australians Brendan Garner – Ben O’Brien (3-2), tied with the Swiss.
The reigning Italian champions opened solidly in 7th place, while Pietro D’Alì – Ariberto Strabino, with very limited experience in the Fireball, sit 11th overall.
Daniel and Henry Thompson lead U25s
Among the Under 25 teams, Ireland’s Daniel and Henry Thompson are leading the way. The pair are placed 15th overall with a 27th and 16th to finish on 43 points.
Next in the Irish team are Conor Twohig and Matthew Cotter were 18th, counting 13th and 34th for 47 points.
Josh Porter and Cara McDowell followed in 25th on 59 points after a 24th and 35th.
Chris Bateman and Lucy Loughton were 27th overall on 64 points, finishing 36th and 28th.
Ed Butler and Iso Inan took 37th, counting 54th and 22nd for 76 points.
Ewen and Thea Barry placed 62nd overall on 125 points, while Alan Blay and Hugh McNally were 83rd with 163.
Frank Miller and Ed Butler finished 93rd overall on 180 points.
Bella Clarke Waterman and Sean O’Herlihy came 110th with 209 points, while Adrian Lee and Edmund Hynes were 112th on 215.
Racing continues on Monday, 25 August, with the first start scheduled at 13:00.
