Dinghies Dinghy Racing Race Reports

Wet Start to DQSC Frostbite Series

(Published in the Chichester Observer on Thursday 27th November 2014)

Rain and lighter than forecast winds presented a challenging start to Dell Quay Sailing Club’s winter Frostbite series.

Race 1 started well with Warwick Hoddy and John Denyer (2000) first off the start line closely followed by Bill Dawber (Solo) and the rest of the fleet in hot pursuit. However, on the long beat down to Copperas East the wind dropped off to the point where many boats slowed almost to a standstill against the flooding tide, leaving those who kept out of the tide a chance to pull ahead.

Eventually the fleet was able to return, led by the RS 400s, but struggling to find enough wind to keep going all the way to Hook and then back to the finish line. Because of the lack of wind Race Officer Roy Dyton shortened the course to one lap. The RS 400s were first to cross the finish line but it was Dawber who took first place on handicap, followed by the Solos of Malcolm Buchanan in second place and John Purdy in third.

The wind picked up considerably for the second race and with the ebbing tide simplifying the beats there was enough time to complete 2 laps. The runs back required keeping out of the foul tide, which was difficult for the asymmetric equipped boats which had to keep gybing out into the tide, whilst the Solos and Lasers could keep to the shore line.

Once again the RS 400s led all the way around the course to cross the finish line first. However, the real contest was between the Solos of Dawber, Purdy and Buchanan, with Dawber the clear leader and winner on handicap. Inspired by his new sail and Selden Zeta mast Purdy was in good form, pushing Buchanan into third place to take second place on handicap.

Further down the fleet there was a hard fought contest between the Solos of Mike Dicker and Richard Bridgmont. Dicker was trailing on the final approach to Hook but was able to overtake Bridgmont as they rounded the mark. Dicker was able to maintain his lead over Bridgmont by choosing a good line on the beat back to the finishing line, crossing ahead of Bridgmont.

The DQSC Frostbite series continues on 6th December 2014 and is open to all.

Andrew Horne

DQ1 Start of Race 1

DQ3 The RS 400 Fleet in Action

DQ2 Start of Race 2

RS 400 Fleet Mark Rounding