28 boats assembled at Fishers Green Sailing Club to stake claim to the first trophy race of the year, the much sort after beautiful Icicle Trophy.
With conditions nearly prefect, the race management team of young gun Graham Sexton and the vastly experienced Alan Hayward set a tight race track, with two true taxing beats, and with all off wind legs kite-able, so something for everyone and anyone to claim the title of FGSC Icicle race winner 2024.
Space on the race course was at a premium with no time to rest on one's laurels. A missed windshift would prove costly, as many found out trying to navigate the tricky shifty conditions of FGSC.
A tricky gybe mark also caught a few more out as fatigue took its toll. As the fleet spread out and the minimum one-hour race length quickly approached, Mike Atkinson in his Laser had done enough to keep the Merlins at bay. The shortened course flag was raised and a last mad dash to the line saw the battle weary competitors straining every last sinew. Luckily it was a short journey to the shore where a real sense of sailing club spirit was shown as everyone helped each out at the congested slipway.
11 different classes were on show, the biggest fleets being 10 Merlins, 8 Solos and a wonderful mixture of vessels in-between: an RS300, Cadet, GP 14 and Streaker to name a few.
A great day all round, and Tony Cooper's knee survived its first outing after surgery, Sam White survived many swims learning to get to grips with the RS300.
Competitors and guests were treated to a wonderful curry created by Naina, while the race team crunched the numbers, and with that a new name would be etched on the impressive Icicle Trophy, that of Mike Atkinson in his Laser by 43 seconds for a well-earned deserved victory.
1st Laser 195812 Mike Atkinson
2nd Merlin 3799 Paul & Christian
3rd Merlin 3575 Jon & Harry
Many thanks to the race management team and rescue boat teams who had a busy start to the year.
Also, Angie Meyer for the great photos and Naina for a wonderful curry.
Until next year where your author will try yet again to get his hands on the elusive trophy.
A wonderful start to the year. Looking forward to more of the same at the Green for the rest of 2024.
No comments:
Post a Comment