For the second year running, Bough Beech Sailing Club is hosting an Open Icicle series for youth sailors, as part of its main Frostbite Open throughout January and February. The opening two races were sailed in very light easterly conditions and attracted an impressive fleet of 56 boats, including a strong turnout from some Kent schools.
The fleet brought together sailors of widely differing experience. While some competitors were well-seasoned racers, for others this marked their first major open event. With such a large fleet crowding the start line, the experience would have been daunting, but both races got away cleanly at the first attempt, with most boats clearing the line within seconds.
Time constraints imposed by school schedules, combined with fading light, minimal wind and a wide range of boat speeds, meant that the first race was shortened to a single lap for the slower classes. The second race was set as a quick windward-leeward for all boats—although in the conditions it was more of a drift than a sprint. Even so, the opportunity to race in such a large and varied fleet proved a valuable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Race one was won by Sam Clancy and Harry Mitchell sailing a 420 (Bough Beech SC), with Emmanuel and John from Tonbridge School taking second in an RS200 after executing a perfectly judged pin-end, port-tack flyer at the start. Third place went to Edie Carter and Noah Sauven from Bough Beech, also sailing a 420.
Edie and Noah improved further in race two to take the win, with Sam and Harry finishing second. Third place was claimed by Charlie, another Tonbridge School sailor, sailing an ILCA 7.
Races three and four of the Junior Icicle series are scheduled for Saturday 31 January.
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