#FIREBALL – As was to be expected, the challenge for the 2012 Fireball Worlds title has become a showdown between the Aussies and the Brits. There is no Irish representation at the Western Australia event, just six months on from Sligo's staging of the same event in 2011.
After two days of racing, in what seem to be ideal conditions, the top five places are split 3:2 in favour of the host nation with their boats in 1st, 3rd and 4th. As this scribe expected the leading British boat is Tom Gillard and Sam Brearey (GBR15041) who are sitting in second place, two points behind the South Australians, Robin Inns & Joel Coultas (AUS 15025).
Perennial attendee at these international regattas, David Wade, sailing with Tim Saxton this time, is in 5th overall, with Aussies John Heywood & Brett Littledike (AUS 14786) and Greg Allison & Richard Watson (AUS 15032) in third and forth overall respectively.
Reports from Mandurah suggest that the conditions have been exhilarating with some competitors are saying they have never travelled quite so fast in a Fireball.
Another British combination who seem to be enjoying the conditions are Martin Lewis and Richard Byrne who scored a race win on Day 2. They rounded the first mark of the race in 2nd place behind Derian and Andy Scott but powered away from them on the reaches. Past Champions Chips Howarth and Vyv Townend finished this race in 3rd, behind the regatta leaders Inns/Coultas.
2012 Fireball Worlds, Mandurah, Western Australia.
1 AUS 15025 Robin Inns & Joel Coultas 5 3 1 2 11pts
2 GBR 15041 Tom Gillard & Sam Brearey 1 4 2 6 13pts
3 AUS 14786 John Heywood & Brett Littledike 7 1 3 7 18pts
4 AUS 15032 Greg Allison & Richard Watson 8 2 4 4 18pts
5 GBR 15045 David Wade & Tim Saxton 3 6 11 5 25pts
