This year the Sailing Challenge returned to British waters, organised by Devon Fire & Rescue Service and hosted by Brixham Yacht Club. The event was a great success attracting 25 crews from across Europe.
Cornwall competed and took major honours in the Falmouth based Mustang 30 'Addict', which was considerably smaller than the majority of the fleet.
The racing consisted of 4 Olympic type courses and a 20 mile coastal race, although the Devon crew put up a strong challenge, Cornwall sailed well to record four 1st's and a 2nd in the five race programme. This not only gave Cornwall the European and British Class 1 (100% Firefighters) Championship, but also the winners of the regatta overall.
Next year the crew will travel to La Rochelle in France to defend their titles. Another outcome of the event is that Cornwall will be hosting the Challenge in 2002, based in the fabulous sailing waters surrounding Falmouth.
The 1999 European Championship winning crew consisted of Allan Anderson, Rob Bell, Tim Cocks, Shaun O'Sullivan and retired members Terry Barnes and Roger Barker.