Andy Smith and James Meldrum from Notts County Sailing Club win the Fireball Worlds in Adelade Australia. (the pictures show Andy & James sailing at the club last year) for more info go to Yachts & Yacting who have a full report & links.

Andy and James of Great Britain and sailing "Gul", had results of a 7th, two 1st's, a disqualification, a 5th an 11th and a 4th. It was enough to take the lead by 10 points but shows the closeness and competitiveness of the fleet which consisted of 97 Fireballs.

Meanwhile not so far behind were the Notts County duo of Kevin Hope & Rob Gardner in 6th place overall.

This follows on from Andy's European win, and Kevin winning the Nationals last year.

The fleet of ninety eight Fireballs from all over the world faced some challenging conditions throughout the weeks racing, from light to strong winds, Andy won the two heavy weather races giving him a good result to build on.

The first day was cancelled due to light winds, the second day saw on overnight storm, then a moderate and increasing wind for the two races. Andy won the second race, putting him second overall. He won the next days racing in a strong breeze. The next day was too windy, and the penultimate day saw three races with some very close sailing, after which Andy was still in second place overall.

So on the final day it was all or nothing, the light winds did not bode well, especially as Andy had now been labelled the high wind specialist, but he showed he can be consistent in any conditions and managed a third place, so putting them in the lead. The wind faded completely I imagine they were for once praying for no wind, it didn't return so that was it Andy & James had won the Worlds.

They collected their prizes that evening to the sound of 'Sing Low Sweet Chariot', this is the first time the Australian's had been beaten on their home waters for the Worlds.

Next year the championships are in the UK.

Results of Fireball Worlds: 1st Andy Smith & James Meldrum, Notts County SC, 6th Kevin Hope & Rob Gardner, Notts County SC.

http://www.fireball-international.com
Yachts & Yachting

Results:
1st GBR 14801 075 Gul Andy Smith James Meldrum 7 1 1 98B 5 11 4 127 98 29 1
2nd CZE 14712 055 Lepsi Uz To Nebude Tomas Musil Jan Danek 1 98C 14 8 2 6 8 137 98 39 2
3rd GBR 14809 076 Whistling Gorrilla Dave Wade Richard Wagstaff 3 2 9 13 4 8 18 57 18 39 3
4th GBR 13945 016 Reginald Malcolm Davies Russell Thorne 2 12 10 29 12 1 7 73 29 44 4
5th AUS 14849 092 Nude Brett Young Allen Blenkle 9 3 2 1 98B 7 25 145 98 47 5
6th GBR 14839 089 Kevin Hope Rob Gardener 8 17 20 6 7 15 5 78 20 58 6

Andy enjoying sailing his mirror with his son at August Bank Holiday last year.