The 79th Firefly Nationals

Published 16:36 on 25 Aug 2025

The 79th Firefly Nationals were held at Lyme Regis over the week of 16th to 22nd August, attracting strong competition among a fleet of 74 boats in conditions that ranged from breaking waves to zephyr light drifts, all accompanied by Reggie the local dolphin.

Many former and current Dell Quay members were in attendance, with two boats sailing under the Dell Quay burgee including Harvey and Sophia Hillary in Flo, and Gideon and Arthur Sherwood in Ratbag.

Attending their first Firefly Nationals, Harvey and Sophia sailed well throughout, culminating in a nail-biting final race for the Olympic Trophy, starting as pathfinder for a long gate start to ultimately sail out to the front of the fleet and take the win by a boat's length.

Three Dell Quay Juniors helmed extremely credibly for the Crews Race including Iona Sherwood, Arthur Sherwood and Sophia Hillary.