Icebreaker Race report for the Sunday 5th Feb

Published 14:46 on 19 Feb 2023

Icebreaker Race report for the Sunday 5th Feb

Race 5 of the Icebreaker Series on the Sunday before last, saw the arrival of a keen Nor-Nor East 10- 12 knot breeze blowing straight across the Harbour from the Duver, as 25 Intrepid Crews set about a short but challenging harbour course set by RO Chris Wilkinson.

This consisted of a short reach off the start line, to a Port rounding of the large yellow spherical mark set just off the western road end of Fisherman's pontoon, followed by a short beat up to a Starboard rounding of the channel Can 14 and then running down the eastern side of Fisherman's to a Port rounding of a laid yellow pillar mark set off the seafood cafe at the Embankment road end, then onto another beat up to and Port rounding of channel mark 12A, followed by a quick reach back west to Club mark H, rounding to Starboard and then finally a challenging short beat up to Channel mark 17 taking it to Starboard and east back across the Line to complete the Lap!Three separate class starts were commenced with the 8 Boat Fast Handicap completing 3 Laps, then both Slow (6 boats) and Scow (11 boats) classes followed in sequence completing 2 Laps of the same course.

After some challenging sailing and close racing in all classes, resulting in many place changes in sadly what became a rapidly diminishing breeze during the second and third laps, the light airs prevailed, with the fickle conditions and extensive wind shadows, especially in the lee of the Duver buildings making for sometimes frustrating but interesting and tight finishes as follows:Fast handicap Line Honours and 2nd place on HC went to the Laser of Harry White, 3rd to brother Charlie in the Laser Radial. However hearty congratulations must go to the Small 4.7 Rigged Laser of Cadet Isla Stone 1st Place and Overall Winner on Corrected Time!

In the Slow Handicap another fine win by Phil Wright taking both Line and Handicap Honours in the Pico Race from Steve Kimpton "2nd place also in a Pico R and an amazing 3rd place finish from Blake Brown BHYC Cadet racing in an RS Tera Pro!The Scows had an amazing battle, with a fine Win and overall 1st place from Graham Sunderland, Martin Palmer had an excellent 2nd Place and the Woody of Dare Barry a good 3rd Place.

Unfortunately, the dying wind conditions prevailed and further Racing ceased due to Lack of Wind.Congratulations to all Crews for your Perseverance and Many thanks to Race Patrol Boat Crews for your stalwart on the water support, mark laying and Patience.My special thanks to Ian Poulter for his invaluable and exemplary ARO work.

Chris Wilkinson Race Officer

Last updated 15:28 on 11 May 2025