Fifty Fireballs turned up for the 'Big One' at DWSC, the last open meeting before the containers are packed for the World Championships in Adelaide. They were greeted with a force 2 – 3 and bright sunshine, and an icy blast reminding them that they would soon be sailing in the balmier conditions of Australia.

With only a couple of notable absentees (some containers had already been packed) this was a quality line-up and should be a good predictor for the forth-coming championship.

Race One saw UK Open Champion Shane McCarthy sailing with current world champion crew Vyv Townend led unchallenged throughout the race despite Wade and Wagstaff's best attempts. The fleet behind tended to fluctuate in their positions, however National Champions Spunkey and DC managed to fight through to third.

In the second race, Spunky and DC sailed away and were never overhauled to maintain the position to the finish. Wally and Jonny overtook European Champions Smith and Meldrum (perhaps a black mast isn't that fast?). Wade, after a poor start, pulled through to 5th just behind Jeremy Davy and Norman Byrd

The conditions for Sunday were similar to that of Saturday less the rain but included some sore heads. The fleet was keen to show their abilities on the start line and the black flag appeared. After a couple of attempts the fleet got away with Mark and Simon mastering the conditions. Two Staunton Harold boats Graham Newton and Mark Stevens and Ian Kelly and Mad Dog followed them.

The fleet again decided to push the line hard for the second race of the day, and this time most of the front runners were sent home. However with the wind shifting it was a hard choice of which corner would pay. Ian fryett and Jon Bale got it right and led for nearly all the race only letting Kelly through for a short period during the second lap. Hope took the remaining podium finish to leave him leading going into the last race.

With the top 7 boats still in with a chance of winning the last race was would be some battle. After the now normal few starts the port end came out winning Andy foskett led but soon found he had the curse of the black flag. Wade, after hitting hard left, took the lead followed by Maskell and Horey. Maskell fell foul of a hole allowing Horey through. Going into the final beat Wade looked comfortable until Horey found some sizable wind shifts. Horey tried but could not pass, leaving Wade to win.

Draycote water with the help of Speed Sails and OnBoard had some great prizes with DVD players and cordless drills, not just for the top of the fleet but also Silver, Bronze and Classic boats.
 

Gold
1st Dave Wade / Richard Wagstaff
2nd Kevin Hope / Rob Gardner
3rd Vince Horey / Jonny Mildred

Silver
1st Ian Kelly / Jon Curzon
2nd Will Moody
3rd Damian Bracken

Bronze
1st Nic Cameron / Cara (Also winners of the classic fleet)
2nd Paula Symons / Steve Irish
3rd Iain Christie / Kath Jackson

Thanks to 'Harry' for the write-up.