5 Skippers ventured out on what was forecast as a very cold day. Thankfully the weather was not quite as forecast. With the Sun out warming the air, and a South Westerly 3 – 8 Knots an initial course was set: Start 10 & 11, 13P, 11P, Finish 13 & Bank.
Phill took the win in Race 1 as the new class captain on his first event, after Buzz managed to sail into a hole in the wind. The pecking order was restored from race 2 with Buzz taking most of the wins for the rest of the day.
After 3 short races, an additional lap was added and the downwind mark was changed to the notoriously difficult no. 10.
A break was called after 5 races. With the wind swinging more westerly and the concrete block creating tricky sailing on the approach to no. 13, a throw-in mark was placed further to the SW. This was used as the windward and finishing mark for the rest of the day.
Lunch was called after race 9. With the wind dropping slightly and time pushing on, Race 12 onwards were reduced to 1 lap enabling 16 races to be completed before 14:30.
Buzz took the overall win for Round 4.
Glenn had a few technical issues throughout the day, snapped elastic, faulty rudder servo, and a flat battery, the later resulting in a walk to dark side. Despite all this Glenn finished second on count back with John taking third.
With only 2 rounds of the Frozen Fingers left to go, there is only 5 points separating the top 3 skippers.
On-the-water discipline was exceptional with all skippers taking their penalties when required without hesitation, and at times there were some very close finishes between skippers throughout the fleet.
I would like to congratulate Buzz on the overall win for the day, and also thank all the skippers for making this event so enjoyable. Phill.
Coalhouse Fort Radio Yacht Club 