Frostbite 9 – 10th February 2019

Last Sunday should have been Frostbite 9 race, but the lake was frozen (for the first time this Winter and hopefully the last!). Not that it was a great deal warmer this morning with a cold strong WNW wind about 12 – 14 mph. Ellen set X as the first mark (North of 5 on the buoy line) then 5, 1, 4, 3, 8 and back through the start.

There were 13 starters and first back through the line was Mike T (Laser) followed by the Lasers of Jon, James, Ralph and Adrian all fairly close together. Next through the line were Sally & Mike C in the first of the three Leaders out today, just ahead of Newton (Solo) in 7th place. Then came the second of the Leaders manned by the jolly bandsmen Nev & Mike N, only just ahead of Mark D (Laser) and the Jones boys in the Vago, who were being chased by Dave & Ann in the third Leader.

Bringing up the rear were the spanners in the works, Chris H (Comet) and Ron (Mirror), just when you think you are far enough ahead – you find out that you were not far enough ahead!

At the end of the second lap there was no change in order for the Laser lads at the front, although they were having a good scrap. Newton had gained a place by passing Sally & Mike C and Mark D had got past Nev & Mike N. If the boys at the front were having fun, so were the three Leaders and the Vago in the double-hander battle.

On the third lap there was still no change at the front with Mike T still leading (but not by much) from Jon with James in 3rd place. Further back Nev & Mike N had repassed Mark D and were closing on Sally & Mike C, but there were no other changes in position.

Chris and Ron who had been ploughing a lone furrow at the back of the fleet or perhaps making a solitary wake, received the finish gun at the end of this lap.

At the finish Mike T crossed the line about 20 seconds ahead of Jon with James in 3rd place about two minutes further back. Adrian and Ralph had a close tussle all though the race and Adrian just pipped him across the line for 4th place. Newton who had a bit of a lonely race, with the Lasers away in front and Mark D and the Double Handers behind (did they make the charts in the 70s?), finished 6th.

Nev & Mike N could not quite catch Sally & Mike who took the Leader honours. Behind them Dean & Nick had managed to ease away from Dave & Ann, who may have had a moment as their last lap was their slowest of the race.

The order on the water was – 1st Mike T; 2nd Jon; 3rd James; 4th Adrian; 5th Ralph; 6th Newton

On corrected time the first two keep their places, but Ron moves up to 3rd (told you!). Newton moves up to 4th with James 5th and Adrian 6th.

Thanks to Ellen and the OOD Team of Alistair S, Bob W, Chris M, Gary W,  Jeremy and Rick.