Frostbite series 5 – 5th January 2020

Frostbite Series 3 and 4 were cancelled due to the flooding, but normal service was resumed today, and it was quite a pleasant morning. The wind was SW 13 mph with gusts up to 18 mph. Mike A set the first beat to 4 then A (which was around the normal position of 2), 5, 8, 6,7 and back through the start. Mike originally put 2 up on the board until Adrian enquired if 2 was actually in position. A quick search revealed Buoy 2 lying by the boat shed, which would have made an interesting course!

There were 18 starters, the highest number since 4^th August 2019! Before the actual start Nev came to grief when trying to shout something to Mike A and Dave I, who were manning the race start. Unfortunately, neither of them hears too well, so as Nev tried to get his message across, rather than concentrating on the wind, he was bowled over, but he did manage to make the start.

First back through the line was Julian B (D-Zero) who was 7 seconds ahead of Ralph in 2^nd place. Newton (Solo) came through one minute later in 3^rd spot with Steve S (Laser) in 4^th, 18 seconds further back. James and Mark (both Lasers) crossed the line virtually together contesting 5^th place. Next along were the two Leaders of Mike C & Sally and Dave & Ann and they enjoyed a race long battle. Close together behind them were the two Lasers of Rick and Adrian followed 10 seconds later by Ken in a Radial. Then there was a 20 seconds gap before Sam & Emily, going well in the RS200, crossed the line in 12^th place. Nev in his Comet was not far behind, closely followed by Chris H in another Comet. After a minute had elapsed Ron arrived in the Mirror, closely followed by Rhys (4.7), Jeremy (Laser) and Lottie (Radial). It was a wonder thar Jeremy had actually caught the fleet as he was still making last minute rigging adjustments as the start hooter sounded (still he’s used to that!)

At the end of the second lap Julian still led, but Ralph was keeping him honest by maintaining the same gap.  Newton had lost a little ground (or water) on the first two but was still a minute clear of Mark who had moved up to 4^th. James held 5^th place with Dave & Ann moving up to 6^th by passing Mike & Sally and Steve S. Adrian and Chris both gained a place by moving past Rick and Nev respectively. Further back Rhys passed Ron and Jeremy passed both of them to move up two places.

On the third lap Julian had slightly increased his lead on Ralph, who was trying hard to keep in touch.

Newton was now just one second ahead of Mark as they crossed the line. The next group of boats were all close together enjoying a good battle for 5^th place and at the line Mike & Sally held that position with Adrian, Dave & Ann and James chasing them. Sam & Emily gained three places to move up to 9th with Steve S in 10^th only one second behind them. Rick dropped to 11^th just ahead of Ken, who was 40 seconds ahead of Chris H, Jeremy and Nev. Behind them Rhys and Ron were still having a good battle and Lottie was gaining on them.    

At the gun Julian was first across the line with an increased lead over Ralph, but probably not enough to take the victory on handicap. Newton and Mark held their positions, but Adrian won the battle for the 5^th place. Steve S had a good last lap making up four places to cross in 6^th and James repassed the Leaders to take 7^th place. Mike & Sally just managed to stay ahead of Dave & Ann in their class battle. Ken, Jeremy and Lottie all gained a place by passing Rick, Chris H and Ron respectively to finish 11^th, 13^th and 17^th.  Ron took the lanterne rouge again (he’s thinking of starting a business in Soho), but he had the last laugh on corrected time!

Final positions on the water were – 1^st Julian B; 2^nd Ralph; 3^rd Mark; 4^th Newton; 5^th Adrian; 6^th Steve S

On corrected time this changes to – 1^st Ralph; 2^nd Newton; 3^rd Ron; 4^th Mike C & Sally; 5^th Dave & Ann; 6^th Mark

Thanks to Mike A and the OOD Team of Dave I, Jon and Paul H