HISC Fireball sailing

The Fireball has a long association with HISC. The club was one of the first to accord the class 'fleet' status and cemented its place in Fireball history through hosting the first-ever recorded Fireball race when four boats competed in the club's 1962 regatta. It also hosted the first two UK National Championships and the inaugural World Championship.

Class Captain: Fiona Sayce - fireballcaptain@hisc.co.uk

Since those heady days, Fireballs have been pretty much a fixture at the club and today’s fleet is one of the largest, and most active, in the UK.

Despite competition from asymmetric classes, the Fireball has held its own, attracting a wide range of sailors - men and women, young and old(er!). Its attraction lies in flexibility in choice and setting of rigs and sails that ensures a level playing field and, of course, sparkling performance.

It is one of the few classes that will still be on the water, providing a great spectacle, when winds have increased and others have retreated to the bar! There’s nothing quite like a Fireball screaming across Chichester Harbour in a strong breeze!

The Fireball has continued to thrive at HISC in 2024. We welcomed 3 more boats into the class who have been very active since joining, taking our total to 21. Our fleet is made up of several mixed crews, most of them husband and wife teams.

We have had 7 boats out for many of the Sunday racing series, 4 of whom had mixed crews. Fireballs have traditionally had their own class start at the very popular Chichester Harbour Race Week held in August. In 2024, 10 boats sailed in a very competitive fleet with 6 out of the 10 sailed by female crews, including the top 3 boats.

If you are interested in joining the fleet, either as a boat owner or as a helm or crew looking to ‘hook up’, however occasionally, please get in touch via the Class Captain, Fiona Sayce fireballcaptain@hisc.co.uk

We are particularly keen to hear from any youth who would like a trial sail in a Fireball. Contact Fiona for more details. 

The club season commences on Sunday 23rd March with the Opening Handicap Race. Then there is one race every Saturday and two on Sundays. 

Wednesday evening racing starts 9th April until 3rd September.

We encourage Fireball sailors to compete every Sunday and attend the monthly Pennant Weekends where we race out in the bay, sailing in the Medium Handicap Fleet.

Pennant Weekends 2025:

April 19th 20th

May 3rd 4th

June 28th 29th

July 19th 20th 

September 13th 14th

October 11th 12th 

Dates for your diaries

Looe Sailing Club will host the 2025 National Championships. It will be held over the bank holiday weekend of 24th-27th May with 2 races scheduled for each day. 

Chichester Harbour Race Week (formerly known as Federation Week) is a fabulous week and is held at HISC 11th - 15th August 2025. If we get 10 entries or more the race committee will consider a class start.

The World Championships will be held in Lake Garda at Circolo Vela Arco, August 22nd - 30th 2025. 

https://www.fireball-international.com/upcoming-events/upcoming-events/2025/08/2025-worlds/ 

More information see UK Fireball Class Association fireballsailing.org.uk 

We look forward to seeing you on the water!