Dreich day dinghy racing at Chichester - sailors defy conditions in Frozen Toe
Persistent rain and a forecast that climbed from 16 knots to a blustery 40 meant the fleet was much reduced for the latest instalments of the Chichester Yacht Club Frozen Toe series.
Race Officer Martin Orton judged the conditions manageable at race time, so racing went ahead promptly. The course – a simple trapezium stretching from Coperas down toward Birdham – gave competitors a long beat, two lively reaches and a decent run. With the smaller fleet, all boats started together, and in the heavy weather it was the 2000 class that truly shone.
In Race 5, Bill Dawber and Jack de la Hunty of Dell Quay were over the line at the start and forced to restart, but quickly found themselves locked in a thrilling duel with Adrian and Roz Stell in the other 2000. Despite capsizing mid-race, Adrian and Roz recovered superbly and managed to retake the lead, crossing the finish just six seconds ahead.
The rivalry intensified in the second race. Neck and neck downwind, Adrian and Roz held a narrow advantage until a sudden windshift during a gybe caused them to capsize.
Bill and Jack seized the opportunity, overtaking and holding their lead to the line. Although Adrian and Roz righted their boat and re-hoisted the kite with impressive speed, they couldn’t close the gap, leaving Bill and Jack victorious by 20 seconds.
In the slow fleet, Toby Jones was the sole competitor in his Optimist. Far from deterred, Toby showed remarkable determination, steering through fierce gusts and bailing water as waves broke over the bow. His grit and seamanship earned admiration from all watching.
The final Frozen Toe of the series will take place on Sunday, December 21, with the first race starting at 11am.
Looking ahead, the CYC Snowflake Series begins on Sunday, January 4. Sailors can register via the CYC website.