Alton Water 2019 Fox's Chandlery Frostbite Series - Week 6

No-one could complain that week six of this nine-week series was dull! The forecast was for a light westerly wind to pick up rapidly and swing to the north-west, accompanied by light rain, which was exactly what happened.

Fifty-five boats launched for the first race, in a fairly gentle force three westerly but, in their eagerness to complete a race before the wind increased, both the asymmetric and medium fleets had to be recalled and by the time all the fleets had got away the wind had increased to a gusty 15 20 knots. A relatively short lap had been set to lessen the time between the first and last finishers, so the second race could be started quickly. One RS200 had the misfortune to be over the line in the one-minute before the black flag start and was promptly disqualified. Most managed to finish the first race but with the wind steadily increasing, some decided that one was enough and made for safety while they were still upright.

Slow fleet start on week 6 of the Alton Water Fox's Chandlery Frostbite Serie - photo © Bill Hughes

The racing marks were swiftly moved at the end of the first race, to reflect the wind having shifted to the right and the second race started in 20 25 knots and a dropping temperature. There were several individual recalls and numerous capsizes.

The Race Officer had explained at the briefing that if numbers were down by the third race, an all-in start was a possibility, instead of the usual five fleet starts and as predicted, with only twenty-two boats staying out for the third race and the intention to get racing under way before the wind increased any more, the start line was lengthened and all the flags went up at once. Those who completed that race looked as though they thoroughly enjoyed the conditions and there were notable performances from Stephen Videlo/Ethan Davey in their RS200, James Deaton who had wisely opted for a 4.7 rig in his Laser and Tom and Charlotte Stewart in their National 12, who all won all three races in their fleet.

Our resident photographer dressed for the occasion on week 6 of the Alton Water Fox's Chandlery Frostbite Serie - photo © Emer Berry

The three races were finished within two and a half hours of the first start, meaning the Race Officer (and others) could get home in time for the Six Nations Rugby, but unfortunately the race team were too busy with the condensed finishing to be able to update the fleet on the Ipswich v Norwich football game during racing, as they had promised to do. Perhaps that event is best forgotten anyway (unless you are a Norwich supporter)!

The series leaders haven't changed from last week and most have now established a comfortable lead, but with six races left and more discards to come into play, this can still change. This Sunday's forecast looks positively idyllic at the moment, so we're expecting all the series entrants to turn up and, having got back on schedule, just two races are planned.

Full results of the series so far can be found here.

Tim Bees' photos can be seen on flickr here and there are more photos on the Alton water Sailing facebook page.

Week 6 Selected Results:

Series leaders after Week 6: (12 races)