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This represents the best all round venue in terms of good sailing, close proximity to the South Coast ferry terminals for those coming from Europe, good logistics for containers for those coming from further afield and great holiday opportunities for families and the non-sailor.

The UK Association has already started working closely with Teignmouth Corinthian YC, Teignbridge District Council and Teignmouth Town Council to ensure that the sailing, on-shore facilities and infra-structure befits an event of this standing.

The Fireball is particularly popular in Europe with the French and Italian Nationals often attracting 70 entries and other numerically strong fleets are to be found in Ireland, Switzerland, Slovenia, Belgium and the Czech Republic. Entries are also expected from further afield including Australia, Canada, South Africa and the US.

In the UK, the Fireball has always provided some of the most competitive sailing outside the Olympic Classes and has been sailed by many of the sport's top names and the list of past National and World Champions includes Lawrie SMITH, Phil MORRISON, John MERRICKS and Ian PINNELL. Just within the 2004 America's Cup GBR Challenge squad, Ian WALKER, Andy BEADSWORTH, Adrian STEAD and Jim TURNER all have a Fireball Junior, National, European and/or World title on their sailing CV.

The Holt Fireball World Championships will attract the best Fireball teams in the World but it is certainly not just an event for the rock stars. The results for the Worlds (and for the UK Nationals and Europeans the preceding week) will be split into Gold, Silver and Bronze Fleets which mean that everyone, whatever their level, will have something to race for.

Negotiations are almost complete with two high profile sponsors who will be donating prizes specifically for the Silver and Bronze Fleets - the rock stars may get the glory but everyone else will get the goodies!