Firefly National Championship 2025 at Lyme Regis Sailing Club - Overall

by Alex Baxter 1 Sep 06:59 UTC 16-22 August 2025

Thursday Night - Fancy Dress

Thursday fancy dress has a reputation as the social night of the Nationals, but this year it surpassed even the loftiest expectations. The theme unleashed a wave of creativity: a flotilla of Thatcher impersonators prowled the clubhouse, Guy Davison disappeared entirely inside a shark costume (surfacing only occasionally at the bar), and a troupe of grimy Cornish tin miners made their disgruntled presence known. Around them swirled a kaleidoscope of sequins, glitter, and 1979-inspired retro fashion that left no corner of Lyme Regis Sailing Club untouched.

The entertainment was equally unforgettable. The Leggomen took to the stage and within seconds had the entire fleet on its feet. When they launched into Insomnia, the dance floor dissolved into a frenzy; elbows, sailing boots, and questionable dance moves all flying in near-mosh-pit conditions. For a few glorious hours, the Nationals resembled less a sailing regatta and more a music festival.

As tradition dictates, the energy spilt well beyond closing time, with whispers of afters lasting until the first gulls stirred along the Cobb. For the bleary-eyed handful who staggered out to face Friday morning, the race committee's merciful postponement was greeted not with frustration, but with heartfelt gratitude.

The winner of this is impossible to judge, but it bodes well for the 80th next year.

Nationals Overall

Massive congratulations go to Ollie Meadowcroft and Hazel Jones, who sailed with consistency, speed, and tactical nous to secure the 2025 Firefly National Championship at Lyme Regis by a single point. Pushed all the way by Jono and Freddy Pank, the event went down to the wire and produced one of the most dramatic finishes in recent memory. This is the second student nationals winner in the last three years—a testament to the strength of the younger generation—yet the "old-uns" remain fiercely competitive, making this one of the hardest trophies to win in UK dinghy sailing.

The quality of the fleet was exceptional: anyone in the top 20 was capable of winning a race, and multiple boats led at various stages through the week. Ollie and Hazel's calmness across the full range of conditions, coupled with the sharp edge that comes from many weeks of summer sailing, proved decisive. For the "adults" in the fleet, it's a clear message: the game is moving on, and it's time to raise standards again.

Other Prizes

Among the race victories, Finian Morris and Robbie Hudson in Horror (F3119, Royal Lymington YC) opened the week by securing the City of Plymouth Trophy in Race 1. At the same time, Jono and Freddie Pank in Pogie (F1954, Imperial Poona YC) claimed both the Sussex Silver Firefly for Race 2 and the Tomato Boats Trophy for Race 5. Jamie Tylecote and Alice Lucy in TicTac (F3746, Rutland SC) lifted the Felixstowe Ferry Trophy in Race 3, before Oli Meadowcroft and Hazel Jones in Daddy Long Legs Too (F3165, Salcombe YC/Hayling Island SC) took the RAFSA Trophy in Race 4 and followed it up with the Avon Bailer Trophy in Race 6. Harvey Hilary and Arthur Sherwood in Flo (F3674, Dell Quay YC) secured the Olympic Trophy for Race 7, while the Mike Nye Memorial Trophy for Race 8 went to Horror once again. Off with the helms, the Crews' Race was won by Hazel Jones steering Daddy Long Legs Too.

The overall Buddies winners were Atalanta (F3476, Becky Caiger and Rory Gifford, Edinburgh University SC) and Mustard (F2649, Alex and Stella Davey, Royal Harwich YC).

A wide range of special trophies were also awarded. Terry and Annabelle Hacker in F4439 (Rutland, SC) won the Stern Light Trophy for being the first institution to own a firefly. This tells us that, with a University-owned Ovington Firefly, any student can compete at the front end of the fleet. Meanwhile, Dylan Beattie and Harry Burge in Desperado (F888, Rutland SC) claimed the Eden Trophy for most improved performance since 2024 and winning the Hyse sails sponsored jib in the process!

The Rothmans Trophy - for all races sailed, including the crew's race - was taken by Daddy Long Legs Too, with Hazel Jones and Oli Meadowcroft, while the International Paints Trophy - the same as the Rothmans but for the Marlow fleet- went to 11-year-old Arthur and dad Douglas Pattison in Delight F1749. I am sure this is not the last time we will hear of this mega-talented Oppie sailor and Firefly national trophies (at least the first came with his dad).

The Geriatric Trophy went to Pogie (Jono and Freddie Pank), while the Ultimate Trophy for the oldest combined ages went to Grasshopper (F3037, Steve Tylecote and Sally Wilson, Rutland SC). The Ultimate Youth Trophy, fittingly, was won by Tigger (F3414, Toby Smith and Grace Cullen, Rutland SC), who also took the Restronguet Ovaloid Trophy for best under-18 helm.

Team Rutland dominated the Tolly Cobbold Cup, with strong performances across Grasshopper, TicTac, F4439, and Purple Doris. At the same time, Hazel Jones and Oli Meadowcroft added the Chris Lynham Trophy (best under-21 helm) to their remarkable haul. In the Wight Trophy, Oli Hale and Harry Shaw in F4442 (Southampton Uni SC) topped the Silver fleet standings ahead of the Pattisons in Delight and Tom Rawlings and Lewis Bacon in Calypso (F3779, Lyme Regis SC).

The prestigious Sir Richard Fairey Trophy, for the overall National Championship series, saw Paul and Finn Kameen in Biscuit Buffalo (F2018, Bosham SC) complete the top ten, with Nigel Wakefield and Emily Saunderson in Tip Top Too (F3007, Netley SC/Lymington Town SC) ninth, Stuart and Lizzie Hudson in Fursty Ferrit (F3850, Lymington Town SC) eighth, the Hackers seventh, Officer Dibble sixth, Grasshopper fifth, and TicTac fourth.

On the podium, third place went to Horror (Morris and Hudson), second to Pogie (the Panks), and the championship crown—and the Sir Richard Fairey Trophy—was claimed by Hazel Jones and Oli Meadowcroft in Daddy Long Legs Too.

Deben Ladies Trophy

Competition for the Deben Ladies Trophy (first female helm in the Sir Richard Fairey points series) was strong this year, with 20% of the 73-strong fleet falling into this category.

Erin Pank, with substitute crew Martin Jones, had a great start to the week in the wind and waves, achieving a 12th in the first race. At the end of day 2, it was Becky Caiger crewed by Rory Gifford, who was leading the way with an excellent 7th place in race 3. The light and shifty airs on day 3 (race 4) allowed Jenny Smallwood crewed by Philip Aldhous to close the gap to Becky & Rory to within a handful of points.

On Day 4, the famous Gore/Marlow race took place in which Jenny & Philip fought hard to achieve a 7th place in just under 3 hours, and crept ahead of Becky & Rory in the overall standings. Going into the final day, there was just 3 points between Jenny & Philip and Becky & Rory.

Race 8 took place first on the final day; Becky & Rory scored a 19th, whilst Jenny & Philip were right behind in 25th. The final race of the event was race 7, with a gate start. Jenny & Philip managed to get out into clean air secure a 13th position, whilst Becky & Rory unfortunately scored their discard for the event.

A special shoutout must be made to Sophia Johnson (13 years old) crewed by dad Dom, and to Scarlett Gladman (16 years old) crewed by Alice Pattison (11 years old), who all showed great determination this week.

Deben Ladies Trophy Podium:

1st Jenny Smallwood and Philip Aldhous (120 pts, 17th overall)
2nd Becky Caiger and Rory Gifford (134 pts, 19th overall)
3rd Erin Pank and Freya Phillips (204 pts, 31st overall)

Looking forward

If the racing was fierce, the socials were just as memorable. Lyme Regis proved a fantastic host, with brilliant parties, dancing and unbelievably cheap drinks. The 79th Tideway National Championships showed the class at its best: fiercely competitive on the water, but one big intergenerational family ashore.

Next year promises to be even bigger: the 80th anniversary Tideway Nationals are already in planning, with "BIG, BIG" celebrations on the horizon. The class continues to innovate, too, trialling a new sailcloth aimed at improving longevity and reducing costs.

The Firefly Association is also delighted to welcome Dr Jenny Smallwood as the new Class President, and to congratulate her on her engagement to long-time sailing partner Dr Phil, announced during the week.

The message from Lyme Regis is clear: the Firefly is in fantastic health, and the best is yet to come.

Massive thanks to our 79th Tideway Firefly National Championships sponsors and supporters, whose support makes our fleet stronger and healthier, Hyde Sails, Selden, Sailboat trailers, Marlow Ropes, South Coast Embroidery, Ovington Boats, Coastwatersports, Craftinsure and finally our wonderful headline sponsor Tideway Wealth Management.

Overall Results:
If you finished in the top ten at the Firefly nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here

Pos	Division	Sail No	Boat Name	Helm	Crew	Club	Practice R	R1 - City of Plymouth Trophy	R2 - Sussex Silver Firefly	R3 - Felixstowe Ferry Trophy	R4 - RAFSA Trophy	Crews Race	R5 - Tomato Boats Trophy	R6 - Avon Bailer Trophy	R7 - The Olympic Trophy	R8 - Mike Nye Memorial Trophy	Pts
1st	Gore	11	Daddy Long Legs Too	Oliver Meadowcroft	Hazel Jones	Salcombe YC/HISC	(1)	4	(11)	2	1	(1)	2	1	5	8	23
2nd	Gore	1954	Pogie	Jono Pank	Freddie Pank	Imperial Poona YC	(8)	10	1	(26)	5	(DNC)	1	3	2	2	24
3rd	Gore	3119	Horror	Finian Morris	Robbie Hudson	Royal Lymington YC	(3)	1	5	5	(46)	(UFD)	4	13	4	1	33
4th	Gore	3764	TicTac	Jamie Tylecote	Alice Lucy	Rutland SC	(4)	7	3	1	(20)	(5)	16	7	10	14	58
5th	Gore	3037	Grasshopper	Steve Tylecote	Sally Wilson	Rutland SC	(RET)	17	(33)	14	4	(2)	6	5	8	4	58
6th	Gore	3695	Officer Dibble	Angus Cook	Lucie Hopkins	Castaways	(28)	13	8	3	6	(DNC)	19	9	(9.5)	5	63
7th	Gore	3871		Terry Hacker	Annabelle Hacker	Rutland SC	(5)	2	14	32	7	(7)	3	(RET)	3	3	64
8th	Gore	3850	Fursty Ferret	Stuart Hudson	Lizzie Hudson	Lymington Town SC	(6)	3	15	6	3	(DNC)	(25)	17	24	6	74
9th	Gore	3007	Tip Top Too	Nigel Wakefield	Emily Saunderson	Netley / Lymington Town	(7)	19	4	4	(40)	(DNC)	12	21	16	7	83
10th	Gore	2018	Biscuit Buffalo	Paul Kameen	Finn Kameen	Bosham SC	(11)	6	6	31	18	(21)	9	6	14	(BFD)	90
11th	Gore	2649	Mustard	Alex Davey	Stella Davey	Royal Harwich YC	(9)	(BFD)	7	9	2	(DNC)	13	23	9	29	92
12th	Gore	3820	Silly Goose	William Pank	Chloe Harding	NBYC / UEA	(2)	9	20	15	14	(6)	8	(37)	11	24	101
13th	Gore	2937	Smutty	Chris Kameen	Jenny Johnson	Imperial Poona YC	(13)	8	18	29	9	(DNC)	15	(44)	23	12	114
14th	Gore	2659	KONG	Ben Lumby	Liz Evans	Restronguet SC	(20)	(BFD)	30	10	22	(DNC)	5	2	27	21	117
15th	Gore	3671	Purple Doris	Ben Tylecote	Lucy Cox	Rutland SC	(21)	15	19	(RET)	12	(4)	21	11	28	13	119
16th	Gore	3414	Tigger	Toby Smith	Grace Cullen	Rutland SC	(DNC)	14	26	11	(48)	(DNC)	17	29	7	16	120
17th	Gore	3625	Squabbling Phoenix	Jenny Smallwood	Philip Aldhous	West Oxfordshire SC	(27)	25	12	19	19	(RET)	7	(27)	13	25	120
18th	Gore	498	Dido	Mark Tait	Beatrice Tait	Warsash	(17)	37	23	(48)	17	(DNC)	22	8	6	10	123
19th	Gore	70	Atalanta	Becky Caiger	Rory Gifford	Edinburgh University	(16)	18	22	7	30	(3)	20	18	(42)	19	134
20th	Gore	1384		Thomas Davey	Cam Bowden	Royal Harwich YC	(12)	16	17	22	(45)	(18)	18	22	35	15	145
21st	Gore	3674	Flo	Harvey Hillary	Sophia Hillary	Dell Quay SC	(26)	53	13	25	15	(32)	32	20	1	(DSQ)	159
22nd	Gore	888	Desperado	Dylan Beatty	Harry Burge	Rutland SC	(15)	11	41	17	21	(DNC)	(44)	25	25	22	162
23rd	Marlow	4442		Oli Hale	Harry Shaw	Southampton University Sailing Club	(32)	22	39	23	24	(UFD)	24	(40)	15	23	170
24th	Gore	3023	Fourwood Thinking	Barney Smith	Alannah Hebbert	RAFYC	(18)	30	(44)	39	8	(28)	14	12	32	40	175
25th	Gore	3615	Skirmish	Jamie McEwen	Ben McEwen	Royal Lymington YC	(38)	(BFD)	38	8	23	(14)	10	4	18	BFD	176
26th	Gore	3318	Lynestra	Guy Davison	Sally Wakefield	Llangorse SC	(DNC)	(DNC)	27	38	11	(DNC)	DNC	10	12	9	182
27th	Marlow	1749	Delight	Arthur Pattison	Douglas Pattison	Itchenor SC	(33)	38	25	24	35	(8)	AL3	14	(44)	39	189
28th	Gore	3133	Thermopylae	Roger Morris	Isobel Bretherton	Royal Lymington YC	(14)	5	(46)	20	41	(DNC)	35	41	17	34	193
29th	Gore	2065	Bonkers	Jason Aldous	Josephine Mason	Papercourt	(22)	24	51	16	(71)	(DNC)	27	30	22	28	198
30th	Gore	4125	Threshdar	Ben Nicoll	Vicky Sisk	West Oxfordshire SC	(RET)	23	16	(54)	25	(23)	37	19	47	33	200
31st	Gore	4400	Swaggle	Erin Pank	Freya Phillips	Castle Cove SC	(10)	12	24	33	26	(16)	36	47	26	(BFD)	204
32nd	Gore	2025	Scruffy	Alex Baxter	Ella Vincent	O&CSS	(24)	(BFD)	10	12	61	(DNC)	33	24	37	30	207
33rd	Marlow	69	Calypso	Tom Rawlings	Lewis Bacon	Lyme Regis SC	(36)	26	28	56	(64)	(29)	31	16	31	20	208
34th	Marlow	4458	OVINGTON BOATS	Ed Stubbs	William Stratton-Brown	Lyme Regis SC	(DNC)	(DNC)	37	34	29	(UFD)	23	34	19	37	213
35th	Gore	4377	Nauti Buoys	Thommie Grit	Dan Malickis	NBYC / UEA	(23)	28	50	55	10	(24)	39	(69)	20	18	220
36th	Gore	3616	Top Dolly	Arthur Greaves	Emma Breese	Royal Lymington YC	(DNC)	20	2	13	16	(13)	26	(DNC)	DNC	DNC	227
37th	Marlow	3550	Water Spider	Ewan McLellan	Jonquil Hackenberg	Imperial Poona YC	(DNC)	27	29	27	(DNC)	(DNC)	42	33	39	32	229
38th	Gore	2485	Fury	Luke Rowlands	Jude Beatty	Rutland SC	(DNC)	35	43	18	37	(DNC)	(RET)	50	43	11	237
39th	Gore	2900	Snark	Andrew Mckee	Abigail Mckee	Rutland SC	(RET)	(DNC)	47	28	13	(22)	49	62	29.5	26	254.5
40th	Gore	3146	Spaghetti	Izzy Johnson	Anna Morris	HISC	(DNC)	(DNC)	21	21	43	(RET)	29	48	21	BFD	258
41st	Gore	3095	Mensonge	Christian Guy	Iona Sherwood	Castaways	(30)	32	9	42	(57)	(17)	47	49	48	43	270
42nd	Marlow	3893	Rockin Robin	Dave Cheshire	Henry Cheshire	Keyhaven YC	(19)	33	31	(63)	27	(DNC)	56	38	41	44	270
43rd	Gore	1867	Cumulus	Steven Greaves	Jane Hudson	Lymington Town SC	(25)	21	53	58	39	(DNC)	41	42	34	(BFD)	288
44th	Marlow	4000	The Walrus	William Mason	Amy Bowden	HISC	(DNC)	(DNC)	45	37	31	(25)	34	31	36	BFD	289
45th	Marlow	2117	Lady Scampi	Phil Bevan	Ollie Rawlings	Lyme Regis SC	(DNC)	41	32	51	(58)	(9)	43	32	45	46	290
46th	Marlow	3610	Serenity	Noa Moskovitch	Nia Mecklenburgh	Royal Lymington YC	(DNC)	40	(58)	45	51	(UFD)	45	43	38	31	293
47th	Marlow	2294	Nerapi	Callum Farnden	Helen Jones	O&CSS	(34)	RET	57	36	28	(DNC)	48	15	49	(BFD)	294
48th	Marlow	3154	Gemini Too	Sophia Johnson	Dom Johnson	West Kirby SC	(43)	39	35	35	54	(DNC)	30	28	(DNC)	BFD	296
49th	Marlow	3713	Barry Girl	Ed Morris	Emily Doughty	Spinnaker SC	(RET)	(DNC)	52	47	55	(20)	38	36	33	38	299
50th	Marlow	20181	Moonstruck	Laura Kameen	Karen Phillips	Bosham SC	(DNC)	43	(65)	53	33	(12)	46	55	40	36	306
51st	Marlow	3681	Go Ballistic	Ben Green	Louise Woodley	Poole YC	(29)	34	34	59	(60)	(26)	40	35	55	50	307
52nd	Marlow	3739	Willow	Lucy Boreham	Rachel Crebbin	Chichester YC	(RET)	36	42	43	36	(DNC)	52	(53)	53	AL3	314
53rd	Marlow	3677	Wiki wiki	Hugh Tomkins	Tom Kosteletos	O&CSS	(DNC)	44	36	49	62	(15)	57	26	(RET)	45	319
54th	Marlow	900	Kingfisher	Annabel Caldecott	Georgiana Caldecott	Rutland SC	(40)	48	56	50	44	(DNC)	(59)	39	56	35	328
55th	Marlow	4234	Vader	Matthew Mason	William Mcewen	HISC	(DNC)	(DNC)	59	44	56	(DNC)	54	46	54	17	330
56th	Marlow	3690	Mutsy	Rosie Davey	Jess Green	Royal Harwich YC	(RET)	31	49	30	59	(DNC)	28	64	(DNC)	DNC	336
57th	Marlow	3874	Tarantella	Angus McEwen	Eriskay McLellan	Royal Lymington YC	(DNC)	29	40	41	42	(DNC)	53	(DNC)	61	BFD	341
58th	Marlow	2550	Frolic	Hermione Pattison	Natasha Gladman	Itchenor SC	(39)	47	68	46	38	(DNC)	55	45	46	(BFD)	345
59th	Marlow	2925	Dignity	Sebi Schmidt	Georgia Evans	Penzance SC	(31)	46	48	60	63	(11)	51	59	(DNC)	27	354
60th	Marlow	3741	Ma Hon	Madeleine Greaves	Polly Mason	Royal Lymington YC	(DNC)	54	60	65	34	(DNC)	58	51	(DNC)	42	364
61st	Marlow	5	Seaford School 1	Felix Gladman	Philip Gladman	Bosham SC	(DNC)	55	61	57	50	(36)	(64)	54	57	51	385
62nd	Marlow	1979	The Winter of Discontent	Oliver Mckee	Dan Cowley	Rutland SC	(RET)	(DNC)	54	40	32	(DNC)	50	60	DNC	BFD	386
63rd	Marlow	8007	Normandie	Noah Helm	Noah Kenny	Lyme Regis SC	(37)	42	64	69	(72)	(DNC)	63	52	50	47	387
64th	Marlow	4115	Tinkerbell	Andrew Robson	Naomi Richardson	West Oxfordshire SC	(RET)	(DNC)	69	66	49	(35)	60	58	52	48	402
65th	Marlow	1809	Flamingo	Scarlett Gladman	Alice Pattison	Bosham SC	(DNC)	(DNC)	66	52	70	(10)	65	63	51	41	408
66th	Marlow	3098	Ratbag	Gideon Sherwood	Arthur Sherwood	Dell Quay SC	(42)	50	63	(68)	67	(19)	61	66	58	52	417
67th	Marlow	1066	Hastings	James Ball	Esme Hemingway	West Oxfordshire SC	(35)	45	55	62	69	(33)	62	67	59	(BFD)	419
68th	Marlow	3158	Dizzy Izzy	Joshu Speakman-Lowe	Dom Bowden	Sheffield Viking SC	(DNC)	(DNC)	70	70	66	(DNC)	68	56	60	53	443
69th	Marlow	88	Pier Pressure	Finlay Campbell	Rhys Evans	NBYC / UEA	(45)	52	62	72	47	(30)	(DNC)	61	DNC	DNC	444
70th	Marlow	4379		Thomas Wildman	Jake Roy	NBYC / UEA	(44)	51	71	67	52	(27)	67	68	(DNC)	DNC	451
71st	Marlow	2089	Fuzzy Duck	Harris Goodman	Libby Wilkinson	Hill Head	(41)	(DNC)	67	61	53	(37)	69	57	DNC	DNC	457
72nd	Marlow	3189	Bullet Train	Alex Ogilvie	Lorelei Bates	HISC	(RET)	49	72	64	68	(31)	66	(DNC)	DNC	DNC	469
73rd	Marlow	4378	HMS Pookie	Lucas Mickelborg	Rosemarie Howes	NBYC / UEA	(RET)	(DNC)	73	71	65	(34)	RET	65	DNC	DNC	496
74th	Marlow	3840	Thunderstruck	Gordon Cogan Sivarajan	Lisanne Blok	CUCrC	(DNC)	(DNC)	DNC	DNC	DNC	(DNC)	DNC	DNC	DNC	DNC	525