Dell Quay Sailing Club

(Published in the Chichester Observer on Thursday 11th January 2017)

Races 7 and 8 of the Dell Quay Frostbite series attracted a large fleet of 21 boats for the final race day of the 2017 season. A force 3 WSW wind, gusting at times to force 4, provided pleasant racing conditions for a mix of 17 single-handed and 4 double-handed dinghies. The competitors got into the Christmas spirit with several sporting Santa Claus hats!

Race Officer Jean Sagues set up a course incorporating two inflatable marks, in addition to the usual permanent racing marks, to provide some interesting legs across the channel from east to west.

In the first race Bill Dawber and Claire Power (RS 400) got away and led the pack around the course to finish first, both on the water and on handicap, followed by fellow RS 400 helms Peter King and Rob Corfield. However it was Graham and Fiona Dalton in their 2000 dinghy who took second place on handicap, with Mark Harper (Solo) third. The Solo fleet also put up a good fight with Mike Shaw coming in 4th and Carol Andrews 8th.

19 boats completed the second race with Dawber and Power once again first to cross the line and first on handicap. Harper kept close on the heels of the Daltons to claim second place and push them into third on handicap. More competitive racing amongst the Solo fleet put Simon Verrall in 4^th place and John Purdy 6^th. Andy Morley turned in a consistent performance in his Pico to take 5^th place in both races on handicap.

After a good days racing everyone returned to the club house to enjoy well deserved mince pies and mulled wine.