24th December Frosbite Series 3
As you may know Frostbite Series 2 race did not take place as the lake was frozen over. Nev & Mike did actually take to the water/ice in their Leader to demonstrate that racing would have been possible.
As they scrunched through the ice they were accompanied by winces and shouts of “Would you like some Gel Coat for Christmas!) from the assembled spectators on shore.
A week later and conditions were better and with a SW wind of 10-12mph, David C set the first beat to 4, then X (beyond Tektona as the other alternative No 3 had gone for a trip down the lake and was sheltering in the bushes!), 54, 8, 6, 7 and back through the start.
There were 17 starters including a new member Simon B (welcome Simon) who turned out in a Blaze, a fast racy boat and he soon disappeared out front. In fact he led from start to finish gradually increasing his lead on each lap. In 2nd place on the first lap was Steve S (Aero 7) closely followed by Curtis (Radial) who had got a good start in his first race for a while (welcome back to the fray Curtis). Newton (Solo) came through in 4th place just ahead of Ellen, James, Ralph, Ken, Hugh, Alistair and Dave L all in Lasers. Hadey (Radial) was next across the line in 12th place about 10 seconds ahead of Nev & Mike (Leader) and Chris H (Comet) who crossed the line together with William (Radial) about another 10 seconds further back. Mike C (Wanderer) was next through and bringing up the rear was Dave P in his Mirror.
At the end of the second lap there was no change at the front, but Ellen, Ralph and Ken had moved up to 3rd, 4th and 5th places respectively. Dave L had moved up three places to 9th and everyone behind gained a place as Alistair retired.
On the third lap the first five boats retained their positions, but James had moved up to 6th place by getting past Newton. There were no other positional changes on this lap, but Hugh, Mike C and Dave P all retired.
At the end of the fourth lap Simon and Steve were still way ahead, but Ralph had passed Ellen to move up to 3rd. Curtis had gained a place by passing Newton to move up to 7th.
The fifth lap was the last lap for most of the fleet, but David decided to send Simon and Steve round another lap as penance for being so far ahead!
Newton repassed Curtis on this lap as did Dave L and they moved to 7th and 8th places. Further back William gained a place by passing Chris H.
The final positions on the water were –
1st Simon B; 2nd Steve S; 3rd Ralph; 4th Ellen; 5th Ken; 6th James
On handicap the first four will retain their places, but Newton will move up to 5th place.
Thanks to SOOD David C and the OOD Team of Jon, Roland L and Rick L. Roland and Rick were not actually due to be on duty, so special thanks to them as they stepped in as the other four members on the rota did not show!