Chichester Yacht Club Snowflake Series - Day 1

The first Races of the Chichester Yacht Club Snowflake Open Winter Series took place on Sunday 30th December. Despite the seasonal timing there was a good turnout of over 40 boats. Race Officers Nick & Roger Elliman laid a 'P' shape course, with a good beat, followed by an exciting reach in front of the CYC clubhouse, much to the enjoyment of onlookers. The day was notable for the windy conditions -winds were fast, variable & gusty, starting in conditions about F5 but building to Force 6 gusting 7 in the second race. Even some of the most experienced sailors were affected by the conditions, with many capsizes & retirements, keeping the safety boats busy.

The Fast Fleet was composed of a good number of RS200s, together with Merlin Rockets and RS400s, with a smattering of other fast boats. In Race 1 Steve & Sarah Cockerill (Hillhead) were fastest on the water in their Merlin Rocket but were pushed back into second position with the RS200 of George Yeoman & Sophie Ormsby (Itchenor), taking 1st, several minutes ahead of next RS200. 3rd were Ben & Charlotte Ainsworth, RS 200 (Itchenor). In Race 2 there was a general recall as the tide was beginning to turn. The racing was notable for the lively and close completion between the RS200s, who were flying round the course in the conditions. All the first 4 positions went to RS200s. 1st Edward Fitzgerald & Rosie Sibthorne (HISC) a few seconds ahead of George Yeoman & Sophie Ormsby in 2nd, with Dicken Maclean & Hannah Young (Island Barn SC) 3rd. At the end of the Races George & Sophie were leading the Series.

In the Medium Fleet in Race 1 the National 12 of William Warren & Sophie Mackley (Shoreham SC) shot out ahead of the fleet to take a good lead throughout the race, winning both on the water and on handicap. Luke South (CYC) put in a good time in his Laser to finish 2nd on the water, and tied on handicap with Mark Harper – Solo (CYC). In Race 2 the conditions led to the second race being shortened due to the many retirements and capsizes. The Solos dominated the Fleet, perhaps due to less capsizes, although even some of the Solo fleet retired in the difficult conditions. Mike Linney & Giles Dixon were notable in their Laser 2000, for several capsizes but continuing to be the only 2 hander to finish. All the first 3 places went to Solos. 1st Nick Peters (HISC), 2nd Ray Collins (Locks SC), 3rd Mark Harper (CYC), with Nick Peters leading the series at the end of Day 1.

The Slow Fleet were all under the age of 16. In Race 1 the RS Feva of N Townsend & A Fordham put in a fast time on the water, but were beaten into 2nd place on handicap by Harry Kennedy in a Laser 4.7 (Hillhead SC). 3rd was Alex Butler - RS Tera (HISC). Only a few ventured out in Race 2 in the heavy winds. 1st Alex Butler - RS Tera 2nd Billy Venius-Ozanne,& Andre Ozanne RS Feva (HISC), with Alex Butler leading overall at the end of Day 1.

The next Snowflake Races take place on Sunday 13th January - first start 10.30.