Icicle Series 2026 at Bough Beech Sailing Club - Day 3
by Nick Marden 18 Jan 14:42 PST
4 January - 22 February 2026
Bough Beech Icicle Series day 3 © Annabelle Larkin
Round three of the Bough Beech SC Open Icicle series proved a test for both sailors and race team, as very light and fickle conditions dominated proceedings.
Race Officer George Smith and his team faced an immediate challenge as the fleet launched into the lightest of easterly breezes, which stubbornly refused to build as forecast. After nearly an hour of waiting, the wind appeared to settle sufficiently for the 46-strong Conventional fleet — the largest turnout of the series so far — to get away, only for a General Recall to follow. Further delay ensued when the breeze veered south-east, forcing a reset of both beat and start line. Eventually, the fleet got away cleanly under a black flag.
On the water, Matthew Wolstenholme and Sophie Wantling (Snipe) built a commanding early lead, only to be reeled in later by Neal Gibson's RS300. Nevertheless, their margin was sufficient to secure handicap victory. John and Liz Reed, also in a Snipe, took second overall, with the Solos of Jamie Clementson and Patrick Ward finishing third and fourth respectively. Lloyd Roberts and Emma Preen completed the top five in another Snipe.
The second Conventional race of the day saw half a dozen boats black-flagged at the start, including Roberts, Gibson, Jamie Clementson and Sergio Messina — all with top five finishes in the series so far. After a lap, the already fading breeze swung to the north-east, turning the beat into a fetch and transforming the following leg into a new windward leg. The RO wisely decided to fly the S flag.
Revelling in the light conditions, John Clementson (Solo) led home on the water, followed closely by Ward, with both also taking first and second on handicap. Wolstenholme's Snipe was third, Elliot Marks (ILCA 7) fourth, and Nick Marden (Streaker) fifth.
The smaller Asymmetric fleet enjoyed a comparatively straightforward day. Although Graeme Oliver led on the water in his Musto Skiff, the conditions were not kind to the high-performance class, and it was Paul Cullen and Verity Hopkins (2000) who continued their consistent form with another victory. Jonny Moss and Rich Sheridan marked their first appearance of the series in an RS400 with a well-earned second, while Matt and Ollie Larkin took third in their 2000.
With the wind remaining marginal, the race team shortened the second Asymmetric race to a couple of windward-leeward laps. This time it was Jonathan and Hyden Ching (2000) who claimed the win, ahead of Cullen and Hopkins in second, while Mike Warwicker and Kate Fitzsimmons (RS200) secured their first podium finish of the series in third.
Series Results so far: