Bough Beech SC Open Icicle Series - Day 6

The RS600 of George Smith during the 2022 Bough Beech SC Icicle Series © Ali Moppett

After two Sundays racing frustratingly lost to no wind, the Bough Beech Icicle resumed on 6th February with gusto. Arriving at the club early in the day, the Race Team watched 40kts gusts crossing the reservoir and wondered if they would be needed.

However, the wind did moderate enough over the next two hours to allow two races to go ahead. Still gusting over 30kts, the conditions led to multiple capsizes, several retirements, a few bruises, but happily only one significant equipment failure.

In the inevitably depleted conventional fleet, the 420 of Joe Warwicker and Hugo Valentine romped home comfortably in first place in both races. George Smith (RS600) was second in the first race and John Clementson and Mel Titmus in their Wayfarer, third. In the second race of the day the just-launched Snipe of Peter Wolstenholme and Lloyd Roberts seemed remarkably well adapted to the conditions and came home second with Clementson/Titmus third again.

Only four asymmetric boats started. Elliot Marks and Sarah Seddon (2000) took the first race, with Chris and Nicki Webber (RS200) second and Mike Warwicker and Kate Fitzsimmons (RS200) third. Marks's 2000 retired in the second race leaving the Webbers to win, Luke Broughton and Nicki Kane (2000) second and Warwicker/Fitzsimmons third again.

So, with eight races sailed and possibly another eight to go over the remaining three weekends the Icicle has reached a half way point. The conventional fleet is led by the Warwicker/Valentine 420, a point ahead of the Clementson/Titmus Wayfarer and two ahead of the Snipe. Smith's RS600 is 4th and the Solo of Richard Hudson in a comfortable 5th. The Marks/Seddon 2000 leads the Asymmetrics ahead of Warwicker/Fitzsimmons (200) and Broughton/Kane (2000).

A lot can still change in the remaining races, but those who braved the conditions increased their chances of remaining on the leader board.