The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A busy weekend at Welland Yacht Club saw the Frostbite Series get under way and trophies dished out at the traditional end of season awards bash.
The close of the regular campaign was marked on Saturday night at Welland’s Cradge Bank base, with all of the year’s winners getting their hands on silverware.
But the Spalding club wasted no time in kicking off the winter races, with 16 competitors in 13 boats taking to the start line on Sunday for the popular Frostbite opener.
With members from neighbouring Witham Sailing Club joining for the series, the starting line was an impressive sight.
With sunshine and moderate wind, race one couldn’t have had a better conditions for the start.
The crowded start line got under way without incident and, as the fleet dispersed up the course, the fastest boats in front all tried to build up enough of a lead for when handicaps were applied.
IMPRESSIVE SIGHT: The crowded starting line at Welland Yacht Club’s Frostbite Series opener on Sunday.
The breeze did pick up through the race, but everyone managed to stay upright.
Through the mid-fleet, the mixture of slower boats with experienced helms against faster boats with less experienced helms allowed for several places to be exchanged.
Following a super start, Paul Burton held the lead to the finish on the water and maintained that lead once handicaps were applied.
With the best four results out of the seven races counting towards overall glory, it’s still all to play for.
Race one result: 1st Paul Burton; 2nd Phil Robinson; 3rd Alan Cox & Roger Ackroy; 4th Ros Nickols.
- Anyone wanting to find out more about sailing can email secretary@wellandyachtclub.co.uk for more information about Welland Yacht Club – including how you can join.
