Prior wins second Frostbite race

Four competitors took to the start of the second race in the frostbite series. They were all in different boat classes, meaning the finishing order on the water wouldn’t necessarily be the result once class handicaps are applied.

Gerri van Haren (Phantom) just got away ahead of Andy Prior (Laser), followed by Alan Cox (Laser Radial) and then Gail Follington (Topper).

With the initial order reflecting the class handicap, the competitors tried to keep within their respective time differences of each other.

Prior managed to take first place as they made their way up to the windward mark. However, on the run back to the clubhouse, having momentarily let go of his mainsheet, he discovered an error in preparation which allowed the mainsheet to come loose.

This lost him precious time and allowed van Haren to regain the lead and Cox to close in as well.

They began the second lap back in class order, with each trying to keep within handicap distance of the boat in front.

Gerri van Haren was maintaining the lead on the water from Prior, then Cox and Follington.

Once the times were adjusted by handicap, Andy Prior took the win from Alan Cox second, Gail Follington third and Gerri van Haren fourth.

This victory, together with last week’s second place, left Prior in the lead from Cox second overall, with one race left to go.

• Anyone wanting to find out more about sailing should contact the club via email secretary@wellandyachtclub.co.uk