Alton Water Frostbite Series Sponsored by Anglian Water & Fox's Chandlery Day 1

Alton Water Frostbite Series Day 1 © Archie Hainsworth

Alton Water Frostbite Series Day 1 © Archie Hainsworth

Today (January 7th, 2023) saw the start of the 2024 Frostbite Series at Alton Water.

We were fortunate enough to have about 20 boats on the water (with many more promising to come and join us next week!) to come and brave what turned out to be a very chilly day for two races. The wind struggled to decide which side of North it wanted to come at points but settled nicely with every boat on the water getting bows (and spray) out the water.

The races commenced with two starts: formed of a strong Cadet Fleet from Waldringfield SC & 'Everyone else"! The first race saw a lead RIB fly around the course, with a particular Merlin Rocket (3645) forcing the RIB to keep its rooster tail on display. Whilst I led the competitive Cadet Fleet around the course in the first start's wake. We are lucky enough to be welcoming the Cadet Fleet for some training weekends with us throughout the winter and saw an opportunity to pass some giggling feedback that some rules surrounding 'Mark Room' may need reviewing! About 45 minutes after the start the first race was finished, with some feedback provided to the team relating to the reaching portions of the course.

With some subtle adjustments made following the suggestions of some of our spinnaker keen sailors, the second race kicked off just after 1200hrs. The Race Committee saw fit to increase the laps required to the faster fleet to 3 rather than the originally planned 2, as it was clear they did not expect such a spinnaker favourable course to be sailed so quickly in the first race. From my (now somewhat cold) seat I enjoyed seeing a 420, well known to Alton Water by the sail number (52151) lock on to the 'Rocket of the day' and pursue the boys around the course.

Results will shortly (if not already) be available on the Alton Water Frostbite Results Page on Facebook, as well as being on display within the centre lobby.

The Frostbite and sailing at Alton Water have seen challenging times through Algae, Covid and goodness knows what else, but to be able to welcome familiar and new faces both young and old(er), is an amazing feeling and I am excited to see what is round the corner for sailing, windsurfing, wing foiling and all else at Alton Water.

With some entries still coming in for our remaining 8 weeks, do pop in and say hello. The Watersports Café will be restocked with breakfast rolls, hot choccy and cheesy chips, and remember with Series entries also comes free parking.

Special thanks must also go to Mark Hainsworth & Steven Mitchell for taking up the reins within the committee boat, as well as our other volunteers on the safety team, who will be commended within our prize-giving line up, which has been kindly contributed to by Fox's Chandlery.

Looking forward to seeing you all next week.