Sailing action hotting up at the Frostbite

The first two races of the year in the Dell Quay Sailing Club Frostbite series attracted six boats on to the water, despite the continuing strong winds.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Jan 2016, 14:55 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 06:43 BST

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Frostbite action at Dell Quay / Picture by Andrew HorneFrostbite action at Dell Quay / Picture by Andrew Horne
Frostbite action at Dell Quay / Picture by Andrew Horne

Race officer Frank Wilson set a figure-of-eight course between Copperas East and the clubhouse taking into account the predominantly south-south-west breeze.

The first race took place in a challenging force six gusting at times to force seven, proving too much for Ken Baker and crew in his day boat who retired from the race after capsizing.

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Bill Dawber (Solo) also had difficulty launching in the strong gusts and was hit by the boom while stepping into the boat, resulting in a nasty cut which required prompt first aid from his wife so he could continue racing.

Martyn Jones (Laser Radial) struggled to get back across the line in the final minute before the start and was caught on course side as the hooter blew.

Andy Morley (Pico) was first to cross the start line with a good lead but was unable to hold off Dawber and Jones, finishing third on handicap. Despite having to return to cross the line legally Jones managed to come in second on handicap, leaving Dawber to take first place with Peter King and Jamie Prescott (RS 400) fourth.

The wind dropped slightly for the second race but was still blowing a hefty force five gusting to six. Dawber and Jones dominated the racing again but this time it was Jones who came in first, leaving Dawber, who had issues with weed around his rudder, to settle for second place with Morley third, Baker fourth and Fred Hilgers (Solo) fifth.

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With the series now halfway through, Dawber has established a clear lead in the series, having only dropped one race so far.

Ken Baker and Andy Morley are currently joint second in the series with Hilgers fourth. The series continues this Saturday, January 23, at 10.30am and is open to all.

ANDREw HORNE

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