Frostbite 4 18th December
It was a bit dank this morning, but at least the wind was a little better than forecast, about 6 mph from the SW. Dave L set the first beat to 5 then 8s, 9s, Xs, 7s and back through the start line.
There were only 11 starters this morning and on the first lap Nev & Sally (Leader) very honestly took it upon themselves to do penalty turns when they caused Mike A to alter course to pass behind them, even though Mike had not called it. Newton & Ellen (RS200) had got away right from the start and had a comfortable lead at the end of the first lap and extended this lead throughout the race to finish well ahead at the finish. James (Laser) came through in 2nd place with a gap back to the Lasers of Sylvia, Dave I and Hugh (welcome back from Uni). Then there was another gap back to Chris H (Comet) and Mike A (Laser) who were having a good battle on the water (if not on handicap!). Then came the 4.7s of Hadey and William who were sandwiching Nev & Sally and bringing up the rear was Rhys in his Topper, the only one out today.
James managed to capsize on the second lap, which was quite difficult to do considering the light wind, this enabled Hugh to come through to cross the line in 2nd place with a recovered James in 3rd place and this was the only change in position in the whole of the fleet.
William and Rhys received the finish gun at the end of this lap, which could work well for them as the wind dropped considerably for the third and last lap.
At the end of the race Newton & Ellen were miles ahead, but James was feeling the strain with the three Lasers of Sylvia, Hugh and Dave I uncomfortably close. These three had enjoyed a great tussle throughout the race and at the end Dave I just managed to pip Hugh across the line with Sylvia close behind Hugh. Mike A had managed to get past Chris and Nev & Sally had passed Hadey, but these latter two boats were unlucky as the wind virtually disappeared for the final 15 minutes of the race and they did well to finish at all!
Final positions on the water were –
1st Newton & Ellen; 2nd James; 3rd Dave I; 4th Hugh; 5th Sylvia, 6th Mike A.
On handicap Chris in his Comet should leapfrog everyone but Newton & Ellen to snatch 2nd place.
Thanks to Dave L and the OOD Team of John C and John H.
A special thanks to Ann and Geesje who laid on soup and rolls and mulled wine and mince pies.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.