The scheduled start of the DMYC-hosted Viking Marine-sponsored Frostbites for 2023/24 is just over a week away and yet, to date, there is a very modest entry of boats.
Indeed, the numbers entered thus far would represent a poor turnout on the majority of the Sundays during the 2022/23 series.
As could be expected, the single-handed ILCA fleet has the biggest representation thus far, with a total of 21 boats across two classes. In comparison, the PY Class has only 15 boats to date, with Fireballs having the biggest representation. These numbers would suggest we only need two starts, whereas for the majority of last year, we had three.
This year, there have been a number of changes to the Sailing Instructions to try and accommodate more flexibility in rig selection (for classes that have multiple rigs) depending on the wind conditions, and it will be interesting to see if this option is availed off.
And, of course, given the success of the Aero contingent in individual races and overall in the last series, there has been speculation on how why and if their PY Number should be adjusted.
The formula for the Frostbites is to have two or sometimes three, weather-depending, races with a start time of 14:00 approx. The option to have three is nearly only used when previous races have been lost or the weather conditions are good enough to warrant three to compensate for future cancellations. Thus, the format is short and sharp, which seems to be in vogue with what the Aeros have scheduled for Dun Laoghaire Harbour and their Sprint Event in coming weeks. Likewise, the Fireballs had three races in quick succession last Saturday off Salthill and another four inside the harbour on Sunday. The ILCAs, too, have their sprint regattas! So, the formula for the Frostbites is not out of kilter with what others are doing.
So, in case the imminent start of the Frostbites has dropped off your radar, the organisers would love you to put pen to paper (virtually) and enter the series – via the DMYC website.
See you on the water!
