Solicitor is pushing the boat out

Obiter would have considerable reservations about putting himself near any mode of transport known as 'Fireball', but Shoosmiths solicitor Jeremy Davy has no such fears.

Somehow dragging himself away the firm's direct conveyancing operation, Mr Davy recently competed in both the European and World International Fireball Sailing Championships on Lake Bracciano in Italy - Fireball being the class of boat rather than an unfortunate safety flaw.

Mr Davy, pictured in training with his wife Andrea, finished a creditable fifth in the Europeans and 16th in the world, out of almost 100 boats.