The Mirage Trophy

In a fit of enthusiasm and creativity, Malcolm van Haeften embarked on a campaign to convert the Mirage Trophy into a 2004 Fireball event. The race instructions called for a single afternoon race for miscellaneous centerboard boats.

Malcolm can be a pretty persuasive guy.

Not only did he manage to convince the race committee at Pointe Claire to appear for three previously unscheduled morning races, but he invited, encouraged, cajoled, and otherwise caused 10 Fireballs to participate. We shared the starting line with a single Tornado, and the presence of those two extra pointy hulls at the start added to the fun.

Three races were run back to back, and the fleet competed with the type of intensity you could expect during the Olympic Games. The starts were aggressive, and the boat handling was not timid. With close racing and lots of boats in the fray, we all had an opportunity to review the application of the rules. Some of us are pretty inventive with our interpretations. We might want to work on that.

While the sky was overcast and the winds were not heavy (or even moderate), we were able to move nicely throughout the morning.

Grant Lamont was guest helm for Tom Egli, and they were consistently fast, earning three bullets. The rest of the fleet seemed to take turns hitting the speed button. Someone was always moving way faster than the other boats around them. One wag suggested that we should schedule a de-tuning session, to get Malcolm, Pierre, Jen and others to slow down.

The really good news was the high level of enthusiasm amongst the sailors. It was a lot of fun.

Thanks Malcolm.

Joe Jospe

CAN14769