Race Report Icebreaker 11 and 12, Sunday 24th March 2024

BHYC Icebreaker Sponsored by The King's Ginger

Gusty conditions with a WNW F5/6 made the final races in this year's Open Icebreaker Series a challenging call for the competitors. Nevertheless, a good turnout with 13 boats on the water and all crews well wrapped up against the wintry conditions.

First off at 10.00hrs were the Fast Handicap fleet. As always, nip and tuck between the highly competitive White brothers, saw Harry taking the win in the first race by just 9 seconds. A more complex course for the final race of the series meant everyone needed to pay attention to the order of buoys to be rounded. This time Charlie got the measure of his brother to come in first over the line with a 24 second lead. Not quite enough to take the Series win with Harry finishing on 11 points and Charlie on 12 points.

Sally Radcliffe pulled back on points into equal third place with Luke Bradley for the series. However, Luke held on to third on countback.

Next to start were the Slow Handicap class. The Elliotts, with third crew member Richard Coleman, sailed a fantastic pair of races to come in first over the line and on handicap in both races in Swan Scottie. Tight competition between the two Pico helms gave Phil Wright the edge over his clubmate Steve Kimpton in race one, with positions reversed in race two. However, Duncan Bates and Kate Garnham had collected enough wins during the winter sailing to take the series overall.

Competition between scow helms remained fierce right up until the last races. With some clever tactical manouvres, Martyn Davies outwitted Martin Palmer in race one, winning by 42 seconds. Same again in race two, Davies again managing to push Palmer into 2nd place at the finish. All to no avail - Martin Palmer's consistency over the winter gave him first place on the podium for the Series win, with Graham Sunderland 2nd overall and Martyn Davies 3rd.

Thank you everyone, ROs, AROs, Patrol Boat Crews and competitors for making this 2024 Open Series probably the most successful yet. Thanks also to John Marr for arranging the sponsorship of The King's Ginger.

Hope to see everyone again next year.

Anne RO