January 25th Frostbite Series – Race 7

A shifty force 3 for the latest rounds of the Frostbite series on Sunday.

Despite the floodwaters lapping at the edge of the road, 13 sailors made it out for the start. Tatiana set off first in her topper, with the rest of the fleet close behind.

A lull around the windward mark bunched everyone together, with Steve S (Blaze) & Hugh (ILCA7) getting out in front. Further back, it was close racing between the ILCA6’S of Will S & Richard S, whilst Newton & Ralph were having a battle of the Solos.

The fleet bunched up once again at the windward mark, with James P (ILCA7) getting past much of the fleet.

At the finish gun, Steve S was 1st, James P 2nd & Will S 3rd.

All boats stayed out for the Handicap race, with Steve once again getting away.

Mark B (AERO7) & Will S were next around the first mark. Will missed and then hit one of the bouys, losing valuable places.

Hugh and James meanwhile had passed Mark, who was fighting off Rick.

Further back, most of the fleet was battling together, with Newton uncharacteristically towards the back end of the fleet.

Back towards the front, Hugh’s outhaul came off, allowing James & Rick to pass him. Hugh managed to gain the places back on the final lap.

The race looked like it was going Steve’s way, but a patch of weed and lull thwarted his progress.

Steve crossed the line 1st, with Hugh 2nd and Rick 3rd.

On handicap, Hugh won, with Chris H 2nd & Rick 3rd.

Well done to all competitors for sailing in such challenging conditions.

A big thank you to Darren & his team for running the racing & providing support for launching and recovery in the flooded conditions.

After the race, there was a choice of Christmas Dinner or Spicy Sweet Potato soup, made by Ann.

We’re back on Sunday for the next rounds of the Frostbite Series.