Fireball Munsters Halted Saturday by Gale Warning at Monkstown Bay

10th April 2026

Tom MacSweeney

Wind warning halt — Fireball Munster Championships racing is cancelled on Saturday due to gale conditions, with organisers now targeting a full programme of up to five races on Sunday Credit: Bob Bateman

Racing at the Fireball Munster Championships has been cancelled for Saturday due to a gale warning.

Monkstown Bay Sailing Club organisers confirmed the decision in a notice issued ahead of the weekend racing schedule.

“Unfortunately due to the gale warning in effect for tomorrow there will be no racing in the Fireball Munsters this Saturday,” the statement said.

Attention now turns to Sunday, when the event is expected to proceed as planned.

A competitors’ briefing will take place at 9 am on the Sandquay, with the first gun scheduled for 10.30 am.

Race organisers are aiming to complete four to five races on Sunday, conditions permitting.

Updated sailing instructions reflecting the schedule change are expected shortly.

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About The Author

Tom MacSweeney

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Tom MacSweeney writes a column for Afloat.ie. He is former RTE Marine Correspondent/Presenter of Seascapes and has a monthly Seascapes Podcast on the Community Radio Network and Podcast services

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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).