2013 North West Icicle 8
Saturday 24th February 2013 - Glasson Sailing Club
Please click on the photos to see a larger one.
All photos kindly taken by David Booth
Thanks also to David Booth who was Timekeeper, despite being cold and a little bored he stuck it out to the end. Thanks again David.
It was an early start, which made it difficult for some of our racers to get to the Club, no doubt the cold also deterred a few but those that turned up were rewarded with good sailing conditions. It was a northerly wind which varied from F2 and a little over to F1 and a little less. The sun tried to break through which it did when we'd just finished however it was dry, warmer on the water than on land.
Launching 4 minutes to the start! The start
We started the first race only about twenty minutes before high water so it was two laps and fairly short and simple. The course was Sp - 18p - Ap - Sp however there was a little confusion and we ended up doing one lap as planned and one lap Sp -18p - Bp - Sp, interesting.
Big John finished first but after handicap he slipped down to third. It was a close race because there was only 17 seconds per lap difference in the times - Michael turning out to be the winner.
At the end of the first race Steve went upstream to check Misty on her mooring, which made him miss the start of the second race. He eventually did something like one lap and retired.
Before the second race coming to sort out a course.
We had more time for the second race, the course was Sp - 18p - Gp - Sp over three laps.
The start of the second race. Steve.
Big John leading Michael on the second lap.
Big John again finished first but was edged out again on handicap, Michael benefiting again.
Course - First Race Course - Second Race
Steve and Peter took part in their first races of the series.
I think we all enjoyed our sailing including Peter and Adrian Johnson who just went out towards the lighthouse for a sail in their Lark.
Michael is still leading the series, Slippers had to rest again today. Big John is second overall but with two races less than Michael. There are eight possible races left so John can easily overtake Michael. Dave is in third position but four races less so he too can overtake all of us before the end of the series.
Just for the record, to keep a forum entry understandable, these were the suggested courses:
As it turned out the wind was from neither direction but at least I'd had some previous thoughts to work from.