UK Firefighters Sailing Challenge 7-10 May 2018 Port Solent

United Kingdom Firefighters Sailing Challenge (UKFSC) 

Dates:  7th May 2018 to 10th May 2018

Review by Bex Sims

On 7th May 2018 the 15th annual UK Firefighters Sailing Challenge began on the south coast between Port Solent and Cowes. 

The event saw 28 identical 40 foot Sunsail yachts compete in 3 days of racing.  The teams of 8-10 sailors included staff from various Fire and Rescue Services across the country, as well as Police, Ambulance and RNLI crews.  For the third year running there was an all female crew named the Siren Sisters, mostly WFS members. 

A few weeks before the event the qualified Skipper had to pull out due to illness, so a last minute replacement was found.  This proved to be a successful solution, as on day one the Siren Sisters won 2 of the 4 races, coming 2nd in another.  This was rewarded with 2 bottles of champagne!  On day 2 there were 3 more races which again the ladies won 2 of, and were 2nd in the last one.  At the gala prize giving dinner on Wednesday night they were awarded 2 more champagne bottles for their 2 wins, plus another for overall first white sails boat (not using spinnakers).  The team received a very elaborate silver jug trophy which is theirs until the rematch, and another smaller one to keep in their trophy cabinet forever. 

The whole event culminated in a handicap passage back race from Cowes to Port Solent, which the Siren Sisters had to start last in their class due to their fantastic results in the previous days!  They fought hard and overtook many boats, but at the end finished 7th out of 12.  It was a fantastic event, with beautiful weather too. 

The team are looking forward to defending their title at next year’s event.

For more information on  the UK Firefighters Sailing Challenge

http://www.ukfsc.org.uk

Website: http://www.ukfsc.org.uk

Twitter: @ukfiresailing

Facebook: United Kingdom Firefighters Sailing Challenge

Blog: www.ukfsc.moonfruit.com