Frostbite 10 January 24th
It was a mild morning with a 10-12 mph SW wind and a good turn-out with 20 boats starting. Mike A set the first beat down to 4 then back to 9P, 5S, 8P, 6S, 7S and back through the start.
At the end of the first lap the first four boats were very close together, but Ian C (Supernova) just crossed the line ahead of Jon (Laser), Newton &Ellen (RS200) and Richard (Laser). Dave L (Laser) was slightly further back in 5th place and Mark B (Laser), trying to make up ground after a poor start, came through in 6th with James in another Laser 7th and David C (Laser) 8th. Roland S (Byte) was going well in 9th and having a good tussle with Curtis (Radial) and they were being chased by Hugh (Radial) and Neville & Sally (Leader). Rod (Laser) came through on his own in 13th place but behind him there was a good battle for 14th place between Hadey (4.7), Alistair S (Laser) and Adrian (Vago).
Chris H (Comet) in 17th place was just clear of Rick (Laser) and further back William (Topper) had pulled slightly away from Mick G & Dave I in the Otter.
The second lap saw Newton & Ellen in the lead with Ian 2nd and Jon 3rd. The movers on this lap were David C gaining two places to 6th, Rod up two place to 11th and Rick up one place past Chris.
At the end of the third lap Ian was back in front pushing Newton & Ellen down to 2nd with Jon still 3rd. David had moved up another two places to 4th, but the Lasers of Richard, Dave L, Mark and James were not far behind and having a good race. Behind these Roland and Curtis were still together but being gradually caught by Rod. Hugh and Neville & Sally were still in close company and they were just ahead of a great battle taking place between Hadey, Alistair and Adrian. Further back Rick had manage to draw away from Chris and William and Mick G & Dave I received the finish gun at the end of this lap.
The fourth lap saw another change of leader with Newton & Ellen back in front and with a slight gap back to Ian in 2nd and then a bigger gap back to Jon who was still 3rd ahead of son David (let’s hear it for the Dads !). The other changes in position (at least in the right direction) were Rod up another two places to 9th, Alistair up one place by passing Hadey and Adrian up two places by passing Hadey and Alistair.
Newton & Ellen maintained their lead and crossed the finish line comfortably ahead of Ian who in turn was well clear of Jon in 3rd. The only other changes in position on this final lap were Adrian up another place by passing Nev & Sally and Hadey by repassing Alistair.
A good morning’s racing with a nice fresh breeze and good close racing all through the fleet.
The final positions on the water were –
1st Newton & Ellen; 2nd Ian; 3rd Jon; 4th David; 5th Richard; 6th Dave L.
On handicap Roland in his Byte should crash the leader board taking 3rd place from Jon.
We were a bit light on OODs with only Mike A and Gary B turning out from those on the duty roster so thanks to them, but especial thanks to Roland L who once again stepped in to help out.