Ardleigh Fox's Frostbite Series 2026
by Stuart Walsh 23 Mar 16:46 GMT
Ardleigh Foxes Frostbite Series 2026 © Stuart Walsh
Supported by the generous sponsorship of Fox's Chandlery in Ipswich the annual Ardleigh Frostbite series produced competitive racing throughout the mixed handicap fleet and a strong Cadet fleet.
Two races a day were held every Sunday over ten weekends, with 34 entries in the handicap fleet and 13 in the Cadet fleet the club was a hive of activity both on and off the water. With the weather holding out each week we were fortunate enough to not to have had to use the reserve weekend, a rare occurrence indeed.
Thanks to our galley team, hot food and copious amounts of tea and coffee perked up many chilly sailors, volunteers and bystanders.
On the water the weather enabled the full set of 20 races to be run. Wind strength and direction enabled racing skills to be put to the test in just about all conditions possible, sometimes all in one leg. Racing proved tactical and exciting throughout both fleets with close battles for position everywhere.
The Cadet fleet held training sessions at Ardleigh over several Saturdays so they could hone their skills for the Sunday race day. The high standard of their racing showed the value of the training; the age range and competence of the Cadet sailors was particularly impressive.
The mixed handicap fleet saw a good cross-section classes represented, in fact six in the top ten finishers. Amid so much good sailing it was Steve Ede in his Solo that produced a very special set of results to take the handicap fleet prize, this does'tt overshadow the spectacle provided by the Merlin Rockets, Larks, 420, Oks and K1 all of whom had their moments. Some capsizes did occur, one having the most excellent dismount, who in their defence was just "checking the forestay was still attached". But all in all the sailors sailed excellently, never making it easy for one another and reminiscing the races with each other off the water.
A big thanks to all those to volunteered with OOD duty's or safety boat, the series ran smoothly because of your generosity.
The overriding memory of the Ardleigh Fox's Frostbite for 2026 has to be one of great competitive racing held in superb spirit with friends old and new. We look forward to repeating the series next year with just as much success.
Overall Results:
| Pos. | Helm | Crew | Class | Club |
|---|
| 1 | Steve Ede | | Solo | ASC/BSC |
| 2 | Alan Krailing | Pete Nicholson | Merlin Rocket | WSC/BSC |
| 3 | Paul Constable | | OK | ASC |
| 4 | James Goodfellow | George Major | Merlin Rocket | ASC |
| 5 | Emily Mitchell | Becky Gadd | 420 | ASC |
| 6 | Harry Pynn | | Lark | WSC |
| 7 | Gavin Johnson | | K1 | ASC |
| 8 | Dave Charlton | | Solo | BSC |
| 9 | G Sinton | | Solo | WSC |
| 10 | Glen Enkel | | Lark | WSC |
| Cadet Fleet |
|---|
| 1 | J Bush | E Stock | Cadet | WSC |
| 2 | E Edwards | E Pynn | Cadet | WSC |
| 3 | I Bush | M Pynn | Cadet | WSC |
| 4 | I Walker | C Deny‑Pickess | Cadet | WSC |
| 5 | O Walker | H Walker | Cadet | WSC |
| 6 | S Ringland | R Lowe | Cadet | WSC |
| 7 | E Krailing | J Cox‑Oliff | Cadet | WSC |
| 8 | R Fish | M Ballam | Cadet | WSC |
| 9 | T Krailing | I Stock | Cadet | WSC |
| 10 | J Baldock | I Fish | Cadet | WSC |
ASC = Ardleigh SC. BSC = Brightlingsea SC. WSC= Waldringfield SC.