Icicle Race 2026 at Fishers Green Sailing Club

Richard Cooke and Russell Hall win the Icicle Race at Fishers Green © Angie Meyer

After a quick ice survey, with the lake deemed fit to race, competitors having to relocate to the main Fishers Green clubhouse slipway to launch, with the amazing shore team working tirelessly armed with jugs of boiling water frantically de-icing frozen sheets, blocks, centreboards, it was game on!

20 boats navigated the icy slip way and tricky onshore breeze with the brilliant rescue crew de-frosting the rescue boats. This Icicle Race on 4th January was indeed icy, and the -3 wind chill not for the faint hearted.

A clean get away by the entire fleet, with Roberto Mancini streaker 2208 executing a perfect port hand flyer crossed the fleet comfortably.

No surprise the Merlins rounded the windward mark first but would they do enough on handicap over the 60 minute race?

The laser fleet had the biggest turnout with 6 boats and were setting the early pace, a mix of youth stepping up, and leading the youth charge Daisy Cox in her ILCA. As the fleet spread out, merlins 3715, 3744, 3578 took turns leading on the water. Blake Newman in his Aero 6 added confusion to proceedings by incorrectly rounding Y and convincing two others that he was right, Blake wasn't, and duly won the "cock up" trophy for his endeavours.

As the race approached the 50 minute mark, the breeze had filled in beautifully across the lake. The fleet had spread out considerably, and everyone in clean air picking up the right shifts in a tricky Westerly breeze was paramount to success.

3715 Richard/Russell had broken free at the front from 3744, Christian/ Oz 3715 made the most of a lovely gust under spinnaker to mark 12, leading solo Nick Pighills 5249 and leading ILCA Matteo Mancini playing shifts nicely to keeping within touching distance of the leaders on handicap.

Race timer of 55 minutes the race management team of 2024 icicle winner Mike Atkinson and 2025 GP14 national champion Graham Sexton raised the shorten course flag.

The epic shore team re- assembled themselves posed to catch the fleet showing fabulous club spirit, with all hands on deck. They pulled the entire fleet up the icey slip way and safely to shore.

After racing the clubhouse was transformed by our wonderful group of volunteers for a fantastic social, ready for lunch and our annual FGSC prize-giving. Well done to all our prize winners, including Richard Cooke & Russell Hall winners of the 2026 Icicle Trophy and Daisy Cox (first youth) and winner of the Polar Penguin Trophy.

A great event, fabulous team working on and off the water. Thank you to all the volunteers including those our Fishers Green SC members who continue to provide 'Sunday safety' cover on RIBS and also to volunteers who helped in the galley.

Further news and event coverage of FGSC events, including all open events, can be found on our social media channels @fishersgreensailingclub and www.fishersgreensc.org.uk

Richard Cooke and Russell Hall win the Icicle Race at Fishers Green - photo © Angie Meyer

Overall Results:

First Youth: Daisy Cox