The series name was apt as crews scraped ice from the decks of their boats in preparation for the second day of racing in the Royal Southampton Yacht Club’s Doyle Sails ‘Frostbite Series’. The clear skies and -4ºC slowed the build up of the wind, resulting in the AP being raised at 1000. Eventually the WNW breeze steadied at about 7 knots which allowed class 1 to start at 1140. Everyone was happy to be moving again and warming up.

Mike Henning positioned his Mumm 36 ‘Alice’ high on the start line to get a good windward position which paid off, giving him an early lead over the chasing boats. The next two positions were hotly contested as Njos, Malice, J Dream and Serendip 4 kept in close quarters, swapping places around the course. Alice took line honours and the class win with Njos second and Malice third.

The J92 fleet were close at the start but soon split into two groups choosing different routes to the first mark. ‘Black Jack’ edged into the lead with Java Lite and Jammin in hot pursuit. The slower class 1 boats were soon overtaken by the J92’s which were enjoying the lighter wind conditions. Racing remained tight all round the course with shouts for water at the mark roundings. Andy Howe kept Black Jack in the lead to take line honours and the class win. Close behind were Java Lite and Jammin who crossed the line together allowing Jammin to take second on handicap. After an hours racing only 40 seconds covered the first three boats.

PHOTO  BY John Greenway/marineaction

RSYC handicap class 3 with its wide handicap spread had some interesting racing, with the hot boats, ‘Vader’ Doug Innes Cork 1720 and ‘Beth’ John Charterer’s J109 staying in close quarters at the front of the fleet. Handicaps came into play at the finish so although Vader took the gun, ‘Fusion III’ just edged ahead to take the class win, with ‘Vader’ second and ‘Anne Louise’ third.

The second race of the day was postponed until a future date due to the late start of the first race.

Everyone enjoyed the day and look forward to the next days racing on the 14th February.

For further information on RSYC racing contact Cathy Crawley, Sailing Secretary, RSYC, Tel: 023 80 223352 or email racing@rsyc.org.uk

Provisional Results