Debbie Kirkby captures Fireball Midwinter title

Canadian Debbie Kirkby with crew Rune Lausten in their Fireball “Rocket Science” captured the 49th Annual Fireball MidWinters held March 14-16 at Davis Island Yacht Club in Tampa, FL. Turnout was low due to miserable weather for traveling from Canada and northern USA, but the competition was intense.

American Pat Crump with crew Jane Millican sailing “Girl You Want” led on a tiebreaker after the first four races, but Crump became ill and was hospitalized. When no races could be completed on day two in Saturday’s light air, Crump was pleased to learn his boat, now named “Sick Puppy”, was still the regatta leader. Kirkby dominated Sunday’s three races in 18-24k to take the title. Crump somehow hung on to second overall.

Click here for results.

Official regatta photo of the top two skippers, Crump (left) and Kirkby, with Kirkby sitting on a “throne” while visiting her competition.

Report by Eric Robbins