Report by Graham Gillies
It was a thin but hardy
turnout for this year’s Frostbite Race. Potential participants may have been
discouraged by the arrival of the remains of Hurricane Lorenzo with its
potential high winds and torrential rain. In the event, the three participating
yachts were met on the day with fresh winds and dry conditions.
The easterly wind at
the start near Largs Yacht Haven provided flat water and unsettled skies. The
choice of sail setup was a tricky call in the minutes prior to the start with wind
speeds varying from 10 to 30 kn.
Aquaholic made a perfect start crossing the line just seconds after the gun with Tulla Mhor crossing the line close on her heels. The chosen course was a clockwise circumnavigation of Great Cumbrae, a modest challenge for those global circumnavigators. Silverjack joined the pursuit 10 minutes later once they had stowed the starting paraphernalia.
The wind lightened as
they approached Hun 9 buoy at Farland point allowing some close sparring
between the leading boats. It was soon a hard gybe round the mark at Portachur.
The wind lightened a
tad in the lee to the west of Cumbrae but remained steady and Tulla Mhor’s long
legs increased the gap from Aquaholic. Her handicap of 6.5 required Tulla Mhor
to maintain a fast pace.
To the north of Cumbrae,
the wind strengthened and sheets were hardened up for a close fetch to Hun 1 with
a light chop now affecting the speed. Tacking round the mark, it was a gusting 25kn
close haul to lay the finish line. The race was completed
by lunchtime with one gybe, one tack and as yet no rain; allowing the fleet to
scamper home and pack the sails for the winter layup before the promised
downpour.
Silverjack easing the sails as they approach the finish.
Tulla Mhor took line
honours with Aquaholic winning on corrected time.
Here are the results
with corrected times.
Aquaholic 1hr 12 mins
11secs
Silverjack 1hr 14 mins
39 secs
Tulla Mhor 1hr 16 mins
55 secs.