James Hellstrom takes Frostbite title

The second round of the George Lakes Yacht Club's Frostbite Series was met with a westerly gale, getting into the high 30's (knots) in the afternoon. Understandably, not many were prepared to venture out onto the white horses marching down Island Lake.

Nevertheless, Matthew de Villiers (Dabchick), Georgou Divaris and James Hellstrom (Lasers) took on the elements. A course was set using the fixed marks, with a shore start and finish.

Hellstrom seemed to cope with the conditions the best and established a lead over Divaris. De Villiers struggled initially, but improved during the race. However, he then struggled to finish, coming ashore with a torn jib.

All three achieved amazing boat speeds on the downwind legs.

Hellstrom finished the race in just over half an hour, four minutes ahead of Divaris.

All three politely declined the offer of a further race.

Then Chris and John Kennedy arrived to have a blast on their Sonnet. They set off in a cloud of spray, but capsized a short while later and had to return to shore, sailing on jib only as a result of a torn mainsail.

After his two-race wins the previous Sunday, as well as this win, James Hellstrom is the winner of the Frostbite Series (Senior Fleet) and will be presented with the Brass Monkey Trophy.

The official start of George Lakes Yacht Club's 2018/2019 sailing season takes place next weekend, hopefully in warmer spring weather. There will be racing to start with, after which the Sail Past takes place.

Photos: Malcolm Osborne James Hellstrom approaches the finish of the only race of the day, mastering the white horses.

Matthew de Villiers (Dabchick) with Georgou Divaris (Laser) beating in strong wind at the start of the race.