Reply To: Ardleigh Frostbite Series
Really gusty and shifty today. 10 OKs came to the line (Pete Turner still snoozing). Andy T (2123) led round the windward mark followed by John Ball (2100) and Dan Ager (2120). Jack Grogan (1997 – young and fit) and Jake Cracknell (2012 – young but not so fit) also going well early in the race. Dan picked up a good shift on the second beat to secure 1st, and went on to win by a reasonable margin. Andy was sailing like and idiot so fairly easy for John to pass for second. Other finishers included Jack in 4th (of the OKs), Nigel Grogan (1754) in 5th. Casualties included Dave Banks (2096) who didn’t make the start line, but kindly lent his rudder to Richard Ham (2053) when his rudder blade split lengthwise before the start (Tony Thresher home made!). Ben Woodcraft (1917) retired with a gash across his cheek and Graham Sexton (2087) gradually dropped back after an excellent first round and eventually retired bloodied but unbowed.
Race 2 – the OK fleet was reduced to 6 boats. Andy popped out of the start line on port going much faster this time to round the windward mark first, with John hot on his heels. Dan was still putting his rudder back on when the start gun went. Jake got his act together up the first beat. Despite filling his boat up in a gust on the second beat, Andy had enough boat speed to finish first. Dan eventually overhauled John for second (more time in the gym needed). Pete Turner (2059) started late and finished early after an excellent performance in the middle. Other finishers were Jake Cracknell in 4th and Nigel Grogan in 5th.
Still waiting for Robert Deaves to appear!
More next week………
Andy
