Alton Water 2019 Fox's Chandlery Frostbite Series - Week 2

Exceptional bow down trim - Alton Water Fox's Chandlery Frostbite Series week 2 © Tim Bees

What a difference a week makes! It was a brighter day and warmer, the wind was in the same direction as the previous week but with a lot more of it, plus some vicious gusts of 30+ mph.

A similar course was set to the previous week's, with, as always, the option to shorten the number of laps if necessary. Participants were slow to take to the water, many waiting to see how the confident first few faired after launching. When the starts got under way, there were a hardy 40 crews out, though many didn't survive the first lap and many more had multiple capsizes in the gusts. There were almost as many spectators and photographers eager to watch the action.

There was some spectacular flying downwind, particularly from the RS800s and 200s and Matt in his Phantom recorded a boat speed of 20mph on one of the downwind legs.

There were numerous retirements but, during a brief moment of uncertainly about whether or not to run the second race, the wind abated slightly and as most decided to stay out on the water, there were enough to run the usual five-fleet start sequence. The second race was shorter and the wind picked up again towards the end, making it challenging for the final finishers who by now were visibly tired.

To and from the bottom mark, various ways up - Alton Water Fox's Chandlery Frostbite Series week 2 - photo © Tim Bees

Notable performances were put in by James Deaton in his Laser 4.7 who looked comfortable while the Laser Standard sailors were struggling and took two firsts, Imogen Palmer in her RS Tera Pro, who finished in the strengthening wind, still looking in control of her boat and Benjamin Woodcock in his Topper. The RS Fevas and Aeros also performed well in the breeze.

With the first two weekends seeing the Asymmetric fleet being recalled for a Black Flag start we are expecting better behaviour for races 5 and 6.

It's back to light winds and cold weather this weekend at least sailors are experiencing a variety of conditions and no-one could say this series is boring!

Our regular photographer Tim Bees' photos can be seen at https://www.flickr.com/photos/144523097@N07/albums/72157677708631388 and there are more photos on the Alton Water Sailing Facebook page.

Race and series results to date can be found at http://www.altonwater.co.uk/index.php?pid=167&series=480&full_series_fleet=480

Practising for the Great East Swim five months early - Alton Water Fox's Chandlery Frostbite Series week 2 - photo © Tim Bees

Week 2 Results: