31/10/2010

Frostbite Race

October 30th provided perfect autumnal sailing conditions for the Serpent YC 'Frostbite' race around the Cumbrae from Largs. With bright sunshine and a southsouthwesterly wind up to the high teens we couldn't have asked for better. As ever it was a small and somewhat motley collection of yachts gathered for the event but there could be no doubting the general enthusiasm although the start had to be postponed for 10 minutes to allow late arrivals from Kip who had underestimated the journey time in the prevailing conditions. The start involved the bizarre Serpent technique allowing the committee boat to join in the race without too much delay The obvious thing to do was to hit the Cumbrae shore and tack up it but as is usual with the Serpents there were in evidence any number of variations.
The two spinnaker boats were first to the Tan Spit where spinnakers were deployed for a fast run up the west side of the Cumbrae. Troikka made sure that this year she found the correct green buoy and took line honours although she waited anxiously as Guilty seemed too close behind for comfort.
In the brisk conditions Neil McDougall's Camus Bosta was well able to sail to her extraordinary handicap and was the clear winner of the restricted sail Class3. After the race Troikka and Guilty headed straight back to Kip while Aquaholic, OOTB, Camus Bosta and Emma Louise went into Largs and Tulla headed off for afternoon tea in the Holy Loch.  
 Troikka ended her season with a stressful moment as the engine cut suddenly on the final approach into the Kip  entrance channel. However some quick work by the crew had some headsail back up and a rapid response by the marina staff meant that she was able to go alongside in the marina without mishap. It turned out that the cause of the problem was a spinnaker guy around the prop - definitely something to be avoided at all costs. Here are the results: