It’s all to sail for in Frostbite series

Dell Quay Sailing Club kicked off its first racing event of 2022 with races seven and eight of the Frostbite series.

The forecast for the day was sunny, with a pleasant light north easterly breeze.

Twelve dinghies came to the start line, comprised mainly of the Solo class which was represented by seven boats. Principal Race Officer Will Parrett set a windward inflatable mark for the first race, to achieve an excellent beat from the start line with the fleet heading up the channel towards Fishbourne.

After a general recall the fleet got keenly away, with the RS 400 of John Wilburn and Lawrence Keyes first to reach the mark, pulling away from the slower class boats.

John Purdy (Solo) made an excellent start and led the other Solos for the entire first lap, closely followed by the chasing pack.

After some very close tactical racing, especially amongst the seven Solos, Purdy was overhauled by the Solo of Simon Verral who was in turn overtaken by the eventual winner of the race Roger Puttock, leaving Bill Dawber (Solo) in second place and Mark Harper (Solo) third. Verral picked up 4th place with 5th going to Ken Baker and Helen Evans in the Dayboat.

In the second race, again the RS400 led the fleet but after handicaps were applied the winner was Dawber, followed by Puttock, with Harper in third again. Fourth and fifth were the Solos of John Purdy and Peter Binning.

With two races still to go and all to play for, the Solo Class dominates the series with Puttock leading closely followed by Dawber, Harper and Verrall, all in contention.