Notts County Success at Fireball Open
Link to slideshow of Saturday's Photos

Notts County sailors took three of the first four races at the Notts County Sailing Club Fireball dinghy Open , part of the National Golden Dolphin Series, in spite of some strong competition from the top sailors from all over the country.

European champion and Notts County club member Andy Smith from East Leake crewed by John Mildrew won the event overall with a second and two firsts. Second was Lowdham's Richard Mason crewed by Simon Hextell from Gedling also from Notts County, third was king Geogre SC member Vince Horey crewed by Andy Thompson.

Andy Smith is quoted as saying: "The event was held in exciting changeable conditions, making for an enjoyable and successful Fireball Open at Notts County Sailing Club." The event saw contrasting conditions with winds from virtually zero to a testing force 6 squall.

General Report
Nearly thirty fireballs from all over the UK made the trip to Notts County Sailing Club for the second event in the Fireball Golden Dolphin series. The conditions proved testing for all the fleet with winds squalling to an estimate force 6 or 7 (gusts of 35mph at Watnall), though the winds were generally nearer a force 4 to 5 in the gusts, making for some exciting and enjoyable sailing on the Saturday. Vince Horey from King George SC took the first race crewed by Andy Thompson. The second race held back to back and saw Andy Smith crewed by John Mildrew from Notts County take the lead at the first mark, from where he pulled out nearly a leg clear of the fleet by the end of the race. He also won the following race giving a commanding lead by the end of the first days racing. Meanwhile second and third were much closer with Vince Horey having two fourths, Richard Mason a fourth & third and John Curzon a couple of thirds. Sunday dawned sunny but calm with just enough wind to run one race won by Richard Mason & Simon Hextell from the home club, giving them second overall. Tom Fenn was second and Nigel Potter third.

Results 1st Andy Smith & James Mildrew (Notts County SC)
2nd Richard Mason & Simon Hextell (Notts County SC)
3rd Vince Horey & Andy Thompson (King George SC)
4th Kevin Hope & Jim Cooper (Notts County SC)
5th John Curzon & Pete Elver (Staunton Harold SC)
Classic Boat: John Hobson & Amy Clay (Notts County SC)
1st Lady Helm: Alison Goodall, 1st Lady crew: Fiona Hextell