Day three of the December Fireball Frostbite League was held on Saturday, the 23rd, on Monkstown Bay in Cork Harbour in glorious winter sailing conditions.
A beautiful sunrise set the tone for the morning's racing. The bay was awash with golden light as the first of the competitors began to arrive.
The Fireball numbers in Cork alone have risen from 1 last year to 14 boats based in Cork (9 in Monkstown Bay alone) With numbers continuing to blossom, local promoter Chris Bateman says, "the Fireball is one of the fastest, cheapest and stable boats on the market currently, not to mention one of the most accommodating, enthusiastic classes in Europe". Photo: Bob Bateman
Seven Fireballs were due to arrive despite the proximity to Christmas Day. These numbers held true and in no time the Sandquay became filled with the noises of flapping sails and enthusiastic conversation.
Race officer Robbie O’Sullivan, with assistant Rory Fitzpatrick, set a triangle course with anticipation of a twenty-knot westerly wind. A slow tide was running, adding to the tactical element of the day.
The Fireballs launched in good time, some earlier than others to allow time for a dash around the bay. They provided a colourful sight for the onlookers with their bright spinnakers and shiny hulls throwing white clouds of spray.
The new fleet of Fireballs to Cork has brought in great interest to sailing and no doubt they put on a show that morning!
Ewen Barry and Sandy Rimmington competing in the Fireball Frostbite league at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club Photo: Bob Bateman
Race one kicked off cleanly, with Ewen Barry and Sandy Rimmington taking the lead early on.
Adrian Lee and Tiarnan Brown lead at mark one over Ewen Barry and Sandy Rimmington competing in the Fireball Frostbite league at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club Photo: Bob Bateman
Two rounds of the triangle course created interesting tactical dilemmas, with large wind shifts and a tide increasing in strength as the morning went on. Ewen and Sandy used their fantastic heavy wind speed and took first place ahead of Adrian Lee, sailing with Glandore’s Tiarnan Brown, who finished second.
Adrian Lee and Tiarnan Brown competing in the Fireball Frostbite league at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club Photo: Bob Bateman
Race two began with a slightly altered course. The fleet leaders fought to the finish line with Ewen and Sandy taking first place. Adrian Lee and Tiarnan Brown followed up in second. League newcomers Lola Kohl sailing with crew James Dwyer sailed a great race and finished in third place.
Bella Waterman and Sean O’Herlihy competing in the Fireball Frostbite league at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club Photo: Bob Bateman
The wind had dropped down for race three. A clean start, and it was Lola Kohl and James Dwyer who pulled into the lead, fending off a competitive fleet more than halfway up the course. However Ewen and Sandy sailed well, catching a wind shift which brought them back into contention. Adrian Lee and Tiarnan Brown were seen catching a fantastic gust on the left side which boosted them into second place.
Niall McAllister and Peter Hayes at speed competing in the Fireball Frostbite league at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club Photo: Bob Bateman
At the finish line, Ewen Barry and Sandy Rimmington took first place, completing their hat trick scorecard for the day. In second place was Adrian Lee and Tiarnan Brown who had fought hard all morning. Taking third place was Lola Kohl and James Dwyer.
This concluded Saturday’s Frostbite racing, and with that, the fleet headed ashore.
The final race of the December Fireball Frostbite League is on the 26th of December as part of Monkstown Bay Sailing Club’s St Stephens Day celebrations. The First Gun will be at 2 pm.
The clubhouse will be open after racing, with Christmas-themed food and wine prepared for the competitors.
Chris Bateman and Atlee Kohl competing in the Fireball Frostbite league at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club Photo: Bob Bateman
