Chichester Yacht Club Frozen Toe Series - Day 4
by Mark Green 21 Dec 2025 19:16 GMT
21 December 2025
Chichester Yacht Club delivered another day of tactical winter racing as the Frozen Toe Series reached Races 7 and 8, sailed in a light-to-moderate breeze and strong tidal conditions that shaped every leg of the course.
Race Officer Nick Colbourne set a trapezium layout from the Birdham Channel, sending the fleet on a beat towards LAKE in an easterly that oscillated throughout the day.
A rising tide at the first start threatened to sweep boats over early, but the fleet heeded the warning and produced a clean getaway. With the stream running hard, the optimal route saw boats working the middle of the channel upwind, reaching across the tide to the far bank, and running tight to the shore to minimise adverse flow.
The Fast Fleet enjoyed a competitive injection of four Merlin Rockets joining the resident Hadrons and Devoti. The Medium Fleet comprised 2000s, Supernovas, Solos and an RS Vareo, while the Slow Fleet's single entry joined the Mediums on the same course.
Race 7 produced a photo-finish in the Fast Fleet, with Alex Jackson and Andrea Downham (Merlin Rocket) taking the win by a single second on corrected time ahead of Martin Orton (Hadron H2). In the Medium Fleet, Bill Dawber and Jack de la Hunty (2000) claimed victory, while James Gerwat (Supernova) led on the water but slipped behind Mark Harper (Solo) on handicap.
In Race 8, the ebb tide reversed the tactical picture, sending the fleet inshore by Birdham Pool. The easterly breeze became patchy near the windward mark, rewarding those who committed early to the lay line. Jackson and Downham again dominated the Fast Fleet, this time with a clear margin over Orton, who held off William Warren and Sophie Mackley for second.
After racing, competitors returned to the clubhouse for the traditional mince pies and mulled wine while Results Officer Mike Abbott finalised the series standings.
Series Winners:
- Fast Fleet: Martin Orton (CYC, Hadron H2)
- Medium Fleet: Bill Dawber & Jack de la Hunty (Dell Quay, 2000)
- Slow Fleet: Anna Swain (CYC, Topper)
Dawber and de la Hunty also secured the title of overall Frozen Toe Series champions.
Chichester Yacht Club now invites visiting sailors to enter the upcoming Snowflake Series, beginning Sunday 4 January at 11:15, with berthing available by arrangement through the club office.