Fireball Alberta

07/15/2024

Hi Fireballers,
It has been a great Fireballing season so far with good winds at several of our regattas. I've just returned from the Prairie Winds where 5 Alberta Fireballs traded leads back and forth all weekend in 10 races with moderate winds and 30°C temps. It was very close with the father/son Tichkowsky team taking first, Debbie Kirkby and Chris Gerard second and the father/son Lemke team in third, then Crawford/Hider and Quinlan/Brocke.

Next is the big one - The North American Fireball Championships at Cascade Locks, Oregon on July 27-28 - less than two weeks! ‘The Gorge’ usually delivers, particularly on these hot mid-summer days, with thermal winds generally above 10 knots and often in the teens by afternoon. Come and join us in some friendly competition and good camaraderie for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail in Fireballs at one of the best dinghy-sailing destinations in the world! Information on registration and accommodations can be found at https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/27586 . Camping is adjacent to the grounds of the Columbia Gorge Racing Association and I have one extra campsite pre-booked in my name that’s available for the asking.

Some of us will also be sailing in the Alberta Heritage Classic June 20-21, and the Wabamun Sail Week July 22-28. Looking further ahead, a push is on to get the biggest western Fireball fleet of the year at the BC Champs on Sept 14-15 at Jericho Sailing Centre. There’s a rumour afoot this might be a trial run for 2025 Fireball Canadians…

Come on out to one of these fun Fireball events!

Fair Winds
Richard Quinlan
CAN 14766

06/12/2023

The Founders Regatta was held at the Wabamun Sailing club this weekend. Attendance was small with 3 Fireballs competing in x-class along with a 5o5, 420 and a Finn. Saturday saw strong winds from the East all day with challenging conditions. There was some smoke in the air from nearby fires but not problematic.
Early Sunday had more smoke in the area with a variable light to medium wind now coming from the NNW but thankfully cleared as the day progressed. Debbie Kirkby and crew Gregg Ferguson captured 6 bullets though had to fight hard to get by Ken Tichkowsky, sailing with son Neil on 3 occasions. The third fireball was new boat owner, Dave Sorensen sailing with
Fraser Keith, who navigated their way around the traditional olympic course without capsizing. 🥳

05/31/2023

Hi Fireballers!

Fireball Canadians is shaping up to be a fun regatta - Come join us! Camp onsite and take advantage of the full meal package or stay nearby at a comfortable hotel in Brooks. Fireball sailors from anywhere in or out of Canada are welcome.

The regatta will be in southern Alberta at Newell Sailing Club near Brooks on July 7,8,9. Lake Newell is a large body of water on a prairie landscape with unimpeded winds. The club is a long-time friend of the Fireball fleet, members are always happy to see us, and they give us good fair racing.

Information, NOR and Registration at: https://www.newellsailingclub.com/regatta-info

See you at Newell!

08/25/2022

From Richard and Liam;

In race 7 fought from a poor first leg to 53rd. But in prizegiving it was the lucky number to win us Gul gift certificates. In race 8 we nailed the start and held our lane well, then duked it out over 6 long legs to finish 29th - one of our best races in this hot fleet. But alas- we’ve not budged - still ensconced in 46th of 79. Last day tomorrow we’ll do our best, then say goodbye to new and old friends at the gala.

08/25/2022

For our sailing friends - ours is the CAN boat, and also the lone one with Liam on trapeze.

08/25/2022

From Richard in Ireland second day of the World’s.

Very tactical sailing today at Fireball Worlds, in moderate winds of 8-12 knots. We sailed 3 races. In a fleet of 79 boats we actually managed clear air starts in every race. Upwind speed was a challenge in chop and shifty winds. The big fleet meant busy mark roundings. Once we came out from the mark slightly low on the high spinnaker reach and got blanketed and overrun by 20 boats in two minutes. But generally our boat handling was very good. With finishes ranging from 30th to 60th we’re sitting in 46th in the 79 boat fleet. Looking forward to more close racing tomorrow!

08/22/2022

Richard and Liam Quinlan from St Mary’s Sailing Club are in Ireland racing in the Fireball World Championships.

08/11/2022

Regatta announcement!

06/04/2021

If you've stopped by South Glenmore Park recently, you may have seen the new sailing school building! Amazing to see this new investment in sailing unveiled this year. More photos here:

Recreation facilities and programs will reopen in alignment with the Province’s phased plan for COVID-19 and current public health orders, as well as the time required to rehire staff.

03/18/2021

It's boat stall renewal season at the City of Calgary! Existing stall permit holders will have received a renewal notice via email, and those interested in getting a stall for the coming year can do so online: