The very cold snap in the New Year affecting all of Northern Ireland didn't deter the starters in the aptly named Icicle Series at East Down Yacht Club on the eastern shore of Strangford Lough. In fact, the -4 deg in the dinghy park certainly heralded appropriately the start of the club's annual winter Series for dinghies, which began last Saturday.
The six-week schedule is two Saturday races for two classes - PY handicap 1214 and under and PY handicap 1215 and over.
Jacub Ozarek was first overall in a 29er, and Knox Wilson was the runner-up in an RS 400. In third place was Emma Pierce in her ILCA6.
There was barely enough wind for the first of Saturday's two races to keep the fleet moving. Race Officer John Patterson had his patience tested, setting a course. That race was abandoned due to the race time limit. After a 120-degree wind shift and a new breeze, the second race got underway but was shortened to one lap. The sailors felt the very cold temperature but enjoyed managing the tricky conditions.
The hot soup was very welcome afterwards, and the committee thanked all the competitors and volunteers who turned out in the icy conditions to make the event happen.
Afterwards, Regional Race Officer Lawrence Baalham chatted about flag signals, prepping to go racing and interpreting the sailing instructions.
HalSail Results
