7 Skippers met at the Fort this morning, ready for the final round of the Frozen Fingers Championship. With a South Westerly breeze building through the day from around 10 knots to well over 20 knots. Most skippers opted to race on B Rigs. Glenn (59) was brave enough to start with an A but soon changed down.An initial course was set starting between 7 & Y, 15P, YP finishing 11 & 12. With James standing in as race officer for the first 5 races, the fleet were off.After 4 races it was time for a tea break. Today it was accompanied by birthday cake, kindly provided by Ian (687). Thank you Ian, and Happy Birthday! Once racing re-commenced an additional ½ lap was added to the race length (7&Y, 15P, YP, 11P, YP, finish 11 & 12) This course was maintained from the rest of the day. Unfortunately race 8 saw David (488) bow out of the days racing with a broken mainsheet block. Lunch was called after 9 races.
Racing re-commenced in the increasing wind. During race 10 the weather claimed its second victim. John (73) Suffered with Rudder Servo failure right on the starting signal. Race 11 was almost impossible to sail with boats being unable to tack or bear away at times. With agreement of the skippers’ time was given for a rig change. 3 Hardy skippers continued C rigs, eager to complete 16 races for the extra discard. At times the gusts were causing the boats to nosedive on C Rig.
The sailing today was very enjoyable, with the wind strengths providing some different sailing and challenges to past races in this series. There were very few on water contacts all day, with some good close racing. Even though it was windy, it remained warm and most of the rain stayed away. The sun even appeared once the racing was over, ending the day perfectly.
Buzz (12) led the fleet for most of the day, and took days win, although he was pushed hard at times. In second place is Glenn who managed to sail exceedingly well on C Rig providing a real challenge for both Buzz and Phill (299), who finished 3rd.
Thank you to James for assisting with race management and to David for letting us borrow your rescue pole for the rest of the day.
After 6 championship race days with 2 discards, the overall Frozen Finger series win goes to Buzz, with Glenn in second place and third is Phill by 1 point.
Well done and thank you to everyone who has taken part in this series. It has been very enjoyable to race with you all.
The next session of DF65 racing will be club racing with a less formal, more relaxed approach. If there is enough interest, it is intended that the first section of the day is focused on a little bit of practice or training. If there is anything that anyone would like to cover or practice a bit more of, please could you let us know. If it’s been a while since you last sailed, it is the perfect opportunity to sail without the pressure of championship racing.
On one final note. The DF65 nationals are over at Bartons Point Costal Park this year (6th and 7th June) It is a lovely venue to sail, and it is nice and local. You don’t need a lot of experience to join the nationals, and you learn so much by joining in. I did the 95 Nationals last year there. That was my first open event away from Coalhouse Fort, and it was a really good experience. I know there are several members already planning on going this year. If you fancy it but are not sure how these events work. Please reach out, I’m more than happy to chat. PH
Coalhouse Fort Radio Yacht Club 