Info: https://manage2sail.com

BELGIAN CLASS RECOGNITION

We are very excited to announce that Belgian Sailing accepted our request to be recognized again as an official class in Belgium! This is a major milestone for us in the reconstruction of our class in Belgium and fully in line with our ambition to be the reference class in Belgium for double handed dinghy sailing with spinnaker and trapeze.

Behind each sailing organization is a team of amazing volunteers. Without them this would not have been possible. Thanks a lot for all the support and dedication!

This means that our nationals will be official again, for the first time in a looong time! It will be open, so to other countries: this is your chance to become an official Belgian champion!

The invitation:

                                                                      All information published here

Australian Fireball National Championship 2026 at Adelaide Sailing Club - Day 5 © Denise Gaskell

Race 9

Race 9 was sailed on a three-lap course in 8-13 knots from 220 degrees sea breeze direction. The lighter breeze on the final day brought a very different challenge after the heavy-air racing of Day 4. With the championship still very much alive, last-day nerves were evident across the fleet.

The first start attempt ended in a general recall, before the fleet got away cleanly on the second start under Code Flag U. Off the line, Davin Conigrave and Mitchell Kelsey (14599) led away from the pin, followed closely by Ben Schulz and Andy Thompson (15173), Nick and Simon Gunner (15175), Jake and Dan Miller (14811), Ryan Kelly and Darcy Higgins (15032) and Brendan Garner and Ben O'Brien (15026).

Before the start, the championship-leading boats were clearly keeping a close eye on each other, with Chris Dance and Chris Payne (15152) crossing the line in front of John Heywood and Daniel George (14786) as they headed up the first beat behind the rest of the fleet. It was clear that overall positions were very much on everyone's mind.

At the top mark Calin and Chris Went (1503) emerged in the lead, having judged the shifts well on the opening beat. By the first bottom mark 1503 still led, followed by Phil Peverell and Pete James (15027), Ben Schulz and Andy Thompson (15173), Rain Forbes and Patrick DiStefano (14545), Davin and Mitchell (14599) and the French team Olivier Burgaud and Florence Devaux (15072). Notably, the championship leaders found themselves well back in 16th and 17th positions at this early stage.

At the front the race order stabilised, with the leading three boats opening up a good gap on the chasing pack. Behind them there was a tight group battling for positions from 4th through to 9th, with small gains and losses depending on lane choice and pressure.

By the bottom mark after the triangle Davin and Mitchell (14599) had moved into the lead, followed by Brendan and Ben (15026), Ryan and Darcy (15032) and Glenn Peverell and Bruno Lanato (14414) pulling their way forward through the fleet. Chris and Chris (15152) staged a remarkable recovery through the middle of the fleet to round in 8th, while the boats sitting second overall in the championship were grouped further back in the 12th to 14th range. A particularly good tussle developed between Don White and Nicholas Luff (15000) and Liam and Andrew Kean (14943), with neither boat giving an inch.

At the finish Calin and Chris Went (1503) returned to the front to take the win, followed by Phil and Pete (15027) and Ben and Andy (15173). There was then a significant gap back to the next group, led by Rain Forbes and Pat DeStefano (14545) who had pulled through the fleet with good shifts both upwind and downwind on the last lap. Davin and Mitchell (14599) and Brendan and Ben (15026) and Glenn and Bruno (144 14) hung in there just behind the leading bunch. Further back, the battle between 15000 and 14943 continued all the way to the line, with 15000 just pipping 14943 in a very close finish.

1503 leading the fleet around the bottom mark - Australian Fireball National Championship 2026 at Adelaide Sailing Club - Day 5 - photo © Denise Gaskell

As might be expected from their lead, the results of Race 9 were:

1. Calin Went and Chris Went (1503)
2. Phil Peverell and Pete James (15027)
3. Ben Schulz and Andy Thompson (15173)
4. Rain Forbes and Patrick DiStefano (14545)
5. Davin and Michael (14599)
6. Brendan Garner and Ben O'Brien (15026)

Race 10

Race 10 was sailed in conditions similar in strength to the opening race of the day, but with a significantly more challenging sea state as the tide turned and the waves continued to build. With the championship still finely poised, Code Flag U was again in operation, adding an extra layer of pressure at the start. Three boats received U Flag Disqualifications (UFD), including championship leaders Chris Dance and Chris Payne (15152), underlining the tension on the final start of the series.

From the pin end at the start the early leaders were Davin and Michael (14599), Chris and Chris (15152), Brendan Garner and Ben O'Brien (15026) and Ben Schulz and Andy Thompson (15173), as the fleet powered up the first beat in the building waves.

At the top mark Ben Schulz and Andy Thompson (15173) rounded first, followed by Chris and Chris (15152), then Calin and Chris Went (1503) and Rain Forbes and Patrick DiStefano (14545). By the bottom mark Ben and Andy (15173) had a significant lead with Rain and Pat (14545), Chris and Chris (15152) and Calin and Chris (1503) all in very close contention. A second group followed only slightly behind, including Phil Peverell and Pete James (15027), the Italian team Matteo Bevilascqua and Elisa Ascoli (14503), Nick and Simon Gunner (15175) and Ryan and Darcy (15032).

On the second beat a significant right-hand shift compressed the fleet, reducing the gap from Ben and Andy (15173) back to the chasing boats and setting up a wide-open contest as the race unfolded. With two of the top four boats ultimately receiving U Flag Disqualifications (15173 and 15152), the scene was set for Calin and Chris Went (1503) to continue their winning form from earlier in the day. Rain Forbes and Patrick DiStefano (14545) also showed excellent consistency across Races 9 and 10, remaining firmly in the leading group.

Tussles and position changes continued throughout the fleet, with gains and losses largely occurring within established groups rather than through large jumps. Calin and Chris Went (1503) rounded out a superb final day by taking the win in Race 10. In the final stages John Heywood and Daniel George (14786), sitting second overall in the championship, managed to squeeze ahead of Rain and Pat (14545) to secure second place in the race, with Rain and Pat close behind in third. Brendan Garner and Ben O'Brien (15026), winners in the windier Day 4 conditions, and Phil Peverell and Pete James (15027) completed the top five.

Race 10 results:

1. Calin Went and Chris Went (1503)
2. John Heywood and Daniel George (14786)
3. Rain Forbes and Patrick DiStefano (14545)
4. Brendan Garner and Ben O'Brien (15026)
5. Phil Peverell and Pete James (15027)

Full Results Here

The updated set of rules for 2026 is effective from 1st February. Nothing major - They cover some typos and anomalies that came about from the rule changes early last year and have been approved by Wold Sailing (WS).

They were spotted by our observant measurers!

The rule for the use of camaras and trackers has been submitted and should be approved at the April WS rules committee meeting.

Kind Regards

Dave Hall - Chair FI Technical commitee

The Swiss Fireball Training Camp in Port Camague (FRA), which has long tradition, will take place from March 29th to April 3rd, 2026. It is open to international participants. Arrival day is Saturday 28th, leaving day Saturday 4th.

Half-board accommodation at UCPA Port Camargue offers secure boat storage and easy access to the water via a wide ramp (Street view).

Coaches: Tim Rush (GBR), Malcom Green (GBR)

Expected program

Cost: 650 CHF or equivalent in EUR per person including half-board accommodation (for accompanying persons, please contact Christina)

Contact: christina-haerdi@bluewin.ch

Example Gallery Port Camargue 2024

If anybody needs a charter boat for the 2026 Worlds and hasn’t been in touch with Vyv Townend (GBR), please contact him asap: vyvtownend@hotmail.com. He's happy to help.

We are pleased to announce that the Notice of Race for the Fireball Worlds and for the UK Nationals 2026 are now published on their respective websites. The events hosted by the Royal Torbay Yacht Club are being held in Torquay from July 22nd to 31st.

The Early Bird entry is now on offer for a combined entry to both events at under £700, with a hugely supported incentive to attract Youth entries at just £495 for both events. Full details of all fees and related dates can be found in the respective NoR’s.  If your have already signed up with an “Expression of  Interest” you will still need to complete the online form to confirm entry. There are options to enter both events on one entry form or either event only. See Official Notice Board.

Membership can be updated on Revolutionise Sport

Remember to also get your entry in for the 2026 national titles at Adelaide Sailing Club  2nd - 6 February 2026

The state title are planned for mid March 2026 at a metropolitan yacht club. Dates and details to be released soon.

For any other information please contact - 

Nathan Stockley - President

Jess de la Perrelle - Secretary

In total, 56 boats from 13 countries signed up for the draw: 25 from the UK and 31 from overseas. First non-UK boat to be drawn was Martin Veit from the Czech Republic who gets a free entry, and first UK boat was Scott from Chew Valley who gets the jib generously donated by P&B.

Vyv Townend of the organising committee said, "We really weren't expecting this level of response! Formal entries don't open until the Notice of Race is published which we are hoping will be in December but, based on the people who signed up for the Expression of Interest, we should easily surpass our initial estimates of 80 boats". The event incorporates the UK Nationals and runs from Monday 20th to Friday 31st July.

The event website can be found at 2026.fireballworlds.com

Hi all,

A short reminder that the Expression of Interest closes this Friday, October 31. The draw takes place on Saturday.

At the moment we have 53 boats signed up of which 28 are non-UK boats. That seems pretty good odds for getting a free entry!

To sign-up:  https://www.chipperfieldprojects.co.uk/rtyc/

Regards,

Vyv

Minutes from previous AGM

Minutes from rule change General Meeting

Presidents Report

Treasurers Report

• Financials

Measurers Report

Rear Commodores Report

IFAV President's Report

AGM 2025 Minutes draft awaiting approval

 see Minutes

New CAN & USA facebook group follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/494071759852937/

fireball-international.ca webpage is currently down. It will be back online in the next couple weeks. Stay tuned.

Photographs © Elena Giolai

As part of the entry process for the 2026 Worlds, we have launched an Expression of Interest.

Pay £50 and you will be put into a draw to take place on 1^st November 2025.  The first non-UK boat drawn will receive a free entry to the UK Nationals and the Worlds, whilst the first UK boat drawn will receive a jib kindly donated by P&B.

The rules are pretty simple. The £50 needs to be paid by 31^st October and full entry needs to be made before the Early Bird Entry cut-off.  The £50 is non-refundable but will be deducted from your entry fee.

To sign-up:  https://www.chipperfieldprojects.co.uk/rtyc/

or just scan the QR code below:

see Minutes of Council Meeting (AGM) August 25

The 2026 Fireball Worlds will take place from 20th to 31st July in Torquay (GBR) at the Royal Torbay Yacht Club.

• Power Point Presentation shown at the recent 2025 Worlds in Arco/Lake Garda
• 2026 Worlds website
• Flyer Get yourself in a draw for a free entry or new P&B jib > sign up now!

10 knots of Vento for the 9.30 start. Win for Gillard/Thompson. Mermod/Siegenthaler 2nd and Edwards/Townend 4th - now on equal points. After a long wait for the Ora to settle only one deciding race was possible. Mermod/Siegenthaler led from the first mark to the finish, Gillard/Thompson 2nd, Edwards/Thompson 3rd.

Gold for Yves Mermod & Maja Siegenthaler (SUI)

Silver for Dj Edwards & Vyv Townend (GBR)

Bronze for Tom Gillard & Andy Thompson (GBR)

Final results

Early start at 10 am. North wind. One more win for Mermod/Siegenthaler (SUI). Now only 2 points behind leaders Edwards/Townend (SUI). No more races due to thunderstorms. Three races left for tomorrow.

Results

Fotos

Wins for Yves Mermod/Maja Siegenthaler (SUI) and Dave Wade/Iain Blake (GBR). DJ Edwards/Vyv Townend still leading by 5 points. Wednesday will be the lay day - no sailing.

Results

Photos

Ora 25 knots. DJ Edwards/Vyv Townend win another race ...

Results

2 Races from 1pm to 4 pm, 10 to 15 knots Ora (from south)

Results

Photos

Event Schedule

Final Entry List

See the complete Sailing Instructions (PDF) | NoR (PDF)

Representers of all active NCAs are invited.The AGM will be held on Monday, 25 August at Circolo Vela Arco from 7 to 8 pm. Followed by an Open Meeting where all FI members are very welcome.

From the FI Technical Committee:

Dear Competitors

A few of the new 2025 Class rules all competitors should be aware of:

Spinnaker Poles

Two spinnaker poles are allowed. Note that the overall length of the pole includes any fittings on the mast that contribute to the distance from the tip to the face of the mast.

Spinnakers

Numbers are not required on the spinnaker. If using a second-hand spinnaker that has a different number to the boat – the numbers must be either removed or blanked out.

Black bands

Please note the rules 17.6.5 and 18.4.1. A device to prevent sails being pulled past the black bands. A screw or rivet should be used on the boom. For the mast, a screw / rivet or halyard lock or hook rack.

Materials

Whilst carbon is allowed in construction and some parts – note that it should have a modulus no higher than 250GP

Good sailing and don’t be caught out.

Dave Hall

FI Technical committee chairman

FITTING TWIN POLES TO A FIREBALL

I have now fitted twin poles to three boats and have sailed multiple regattas in each boat testing the systems.

The first two boats were existing YMS boats in Australia, 15101 and 15000. The third boat is my brand new Winder 15173.

Note lengths of ropes suggested below will vary boat to boat depending on where systems can be fitted.

There are several steps to fitting the poles which can be broken down into the following sections.

Mast Modifications

• Fitting the higher pole height pulley in the mast and preparing twin pole uphauls
• Fitting the pole launcher fitting
• Fitting the pole launcher cleats

Boom Modifications

• Remove existing pole storage wire loops
• Fitting the pulleys in the boom for the retractor system
• Fit 5mm elastic

Making the Poles and Launching Ropes

• Source Two 28mm carbon poles 1970mm long
• Fit the two ends
• Fit loops to the outer end of the poles for pole up and downhaul systems
• Splice and fit pole launcher ropes
• Fit elastic helper system

Hull Modifications

• Removing the old fittings
• Fitting the down haul elastic system
• Fitting the brace system

See the link below for comprehensive notes - 

Pole Launching System.docx

If you have any questions or problems please feel free to email me on ben@schulz.com.au, call on messenger or whats app on +61400991606.

Good luck, Ben Schulz

Arco, Italy – June 25, 2025 – Circolo Vela Arco and Fireball International are inviting young sailors from around the world to take part in the 2025 Fireball World Championship at spectacular Lake Garda, with a special discounted entry fee for eligible youth participants.

Sailors under 25 years of age who have been a member of a Fireball association for less than two years can enter the regatta at the special rate of €350 if registered by 31 July 2025.

Read more

It’s still over two months away but entries for the 2025 Fireball Worlds on Lake Garda have already reached 127 boats.

As the home of Fireballing, it’s no great surprise that the UK is providing the largest squad with 38 entries but, what is really exciting, is that the second largest contingent is coming from Australia, with 17 teams making the long journey from Downunder.

Hosted by Circolo Vela Arco, which is nestled between Riva and Torbole at the northern end of the Lake, the event is taking place from Thursday 21^st to Friday 29^th August, with racing commencing on Sunday 24^th August.  Full details of the event can be found on the host club’s website at 2025 FIREBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP-2025 .

The Fireball is really strengthening Worldwide and it bodes well for the 2026 Worlds being hosted by Royal Torbay Yacht Club in the UK.

The Royal Torbay Yacht Club are pleased to announce that the Fireball World Championship will be held in Torquay in July 2026

Read press release

Be Quick! The Early Bird entry fee discount of EUR 100 finishes by 31 May 2025. Entry Form | 2025.fireballworlds.com

Entry fee before July 1 EUR 600. Entry fee thereafter EUR 700.

see Entry List

 Changes are basically that the whole schedule has been moved forward a day. One difference is that the practice races will be conducted by the club, not the international race commitee.

The competition was on to see who could win a free membership and 2025-2026 National Championship entry.

The majority of contributors posted on Facebook, and only a few Instagram posts were made.

We had a ccouple of Fireballers who were new this season and more experienced fireball sailors that are obviously keen to help build the number of people having fun in fireballs.

Jaemie Wilson is one of those who has acquired some seasons of Fireball experience and this year is competing in a upgraded boat: Hot Wire (14608). He started early with a great YouTube post of Sail Modialloc competition launched from Facebook with the #MFSMO tag - check out their tacking style! Jaemie won the competition with 

Close behind Jaemie in the contribution points was Lyndon Zimmerman, who is new to sailing Fireballs this season. Lyndon made a variety of posts. Not to be deterred when his crew was away he took out young learn to sail graduates from his club to give them a taste of fireball sailing with fun on the trapeze and flying a kite.

Others that deserve honourable mentions for their contributions include:

• David Scammel, Jaemie Wilson's crew. Check out his facebook posts with the team and Jaemie sporting his #MFSMO shirt
• Paul Luff, part of extended Team Luff who used his shore base to acquire drone flying skills and provide us with some great drone shots at Eden
• Jen Russell, who enthusiastically posted from all the Yachting Western Victoria regattas

Modifications that need to be made to all existing boats:

New rules 17.6.5 & 18.4.1: Sail stoppers in mast and boom required (effective from 17 February 2025)

• 17.6.5 A device is required to ensure compliance with Rule 17.6.4 unless the mainsail halyard is set on a lock or tooth rack.
  

  
  17.6 Mast Bands
  17.6.4 The lower edge of the upper band shall not be more than 5715mm above the top edge of the lower band. When racing, no part of the mainsail shall extend above the lower edge of this band.

    

• 18.4.1 A device is required to ensure compliance with Rule 18.4.
  

  
  18.4 Boom Band
  The boom shall carry an indelibly marked band of a colour strongly contrasting with the colour of the boom. The band shall not be less than 10mm wide. With the boom fitted on the gooseneck and at right angles to the mast, the distance between the downward projection of the aft edge of the mast, disregarding local projection or cut outs, and the forward edge of the band shall not exceed 2845mm. When racing, no part of the mainsail shall extend aft of the forward edge of this band.

 and good to know...

• A.1.4 SPINNAKER
   Spinnaker identification sail numbers and national letters are not required. This modifies RRS G.1.3 (C)

 Class Rules 2025

The joint venture between Weathermark Boats (Dave Hall) and Winder Boats (David Winder) is now bearing fruit under the name Windermark. The new class rules have been implemented. A few orders have already been received...

full size

more photos can be seen at facebook

The change proposals have been discussed over the last 2 years at World, European and National Championships with the International Fireball class membership. They have been endorsed by the majority of competitors at these events, and are endorsed by the Executive of Fireball International. Now approved by World sailing.
In brief, the deck rules have some modifications along with changing the rules to allow simpler construction and allow carbon now because it is simpler to work with than kevlar and is no more expensive. 

   Class Rules 2025

2025.fireballworlds.com

 - Notice of Race

 - Updated schedule (May 16)

 - Entry Form    Entry fee: 600€ - early bird discount 100€ (31 May) + late entry fee extra charge 100€ (30 June)

Visit 2025.fireballworlds.com to find the link to the Notice of Race and the link to the Inscription (after10 Feb) and more...

It's nearly here! See the all new Fireball at the RYA Dinghy Show at Farnborough International Exhibition near London on the 22nd and 23rd February. A very exiting time for the class - a cooperation between Weathermark and Winder Boats.

There is demand from overseas for boats to lend for the 2025 Worlds at Lake Garda.

It would be nice if sailors who don't have access to a container had a chance to come along and take part.

If you are ready to help, please contact Christina Haerdi as soon as possible for more details.

The 2025 Fireball Class Sailing World Championship will be in Italy, on the north shore of Lake Garda: it will certainly be an event full of competition, friendly atmosphere and fun! The video preview of the highly anticipated competition, which will take place in August at Circolo Vela Arco, is online. A unique opportunity to witness an unforgettable regatta in one of the most iconic locations in world sailing, with perfect wind conditions and a participation that promises to be record-breaking.

Lake Garda, with its crystal-clear waters and spectacular cliffs, is the ideal stage for this internationally important event. The organisation, by Circolo Vela Arco, in collaboration with the Italian Sailing Federation and the National and International Fireball Classes, promises a week of excitement, competition and great sportsmanship.    

We invite all sailing enthusiasts, and of the Fireball class in particular, to organise their trip in good time given the high season and not to miss the opportunity to be part of an event, that will write the history of the class, on the waters of Garda Trentino.

                                  Inscription will start from 10 February 2025 see: 2025.fireballworlds.com

Update on Fireball International Council Vote on Rule Changes

Dear NCA Members,

It is very good to see a lot of healthy debate going on about the proposed rule changes, Thank you for supporting us in this. Dave Hall and I have been asked a number of questions on the changes and have prepared a FAQ sheet in response. It can be found on this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RvKuEGvvC7hg49TLm4Eg6VqYMQf9feHEeLVEn7KpG_U/edit.

We will update it when and if other questions come in.

Kind regards,

Nick Rees

Commodore
Fireball International

Fireball Rule Change Vote

The Fireball International Executive is seeking approval from the Fireball Council to agree proposals from the Fireball Technical Committee, chaired by Dave Hall, to make changes to the Fireball rules to make the class more attractive to a wider range of sailors and easier to build, without changing the fundamental nature or performance of the class.

Dave Hall is, of course, owner of Weathermark Sailboats and many of these proposals have been developed in conjunction with Dave Winder of Winder Boats (the other Fireball registered builder) and the well known dinghy designer, Phill Morrison.
The proposals have been discussed over the last 18 months at World, European and National Championships with the International Fireball class membership. They have been endorsed by the majority of competitors at these events, and are endorsed by the Executive of Fireball International.
In brief, it is proposed that the deck has some modifications along with changing the rules to allow simpler construction. We also propose to allow carbon now because it is simpler to work with than kevlar and is no more expensive. There are also some
equipment rule changes suggested.

The process that will be followed is:

Responses to this vote must be made by Fireball Council NCA's before midnight on
Sunday 1 December 2024 UTC.

• Each NCA in good standing shall be entitled to eligible votes based on the number of its paid up members, as outlined in the"Voting Rights" section of the Fireball Constitution. Votes not made by this date will not be counted.
• After completion of the vote, the agreed proposals will be drafted into the class rules and, after a review by the executive, the new class rules will be submitted to World Sailing.
• We are also working on updating the rules to be a closed set of rules that conform to World Sailing standards. Depending of the rate of progress of this major edit, this may result in a second submission to World Sailing.

  Nick Rees
  Commodore
  Fireball Internation

To express your opinion contact your NCA! See the proposals

You can ask for high resolution pics by emailing Urs (urs.kueblis@bluewin.ch) and note the IMG nuber.

Full Results | Ladies | U25 | Classics

Results