2009 FROSTBITE REGATTA

The final event in the Glenmore Sailing Club calendar is the Frostbite Regatta, aptly named for the usually cold and frosty mornings so typical of September here in Alberta.

This year we were blessed with temperatures in the mid 20’s.  Saturday we sailed 7 races covering almost every point on the compass, with mainly light and variable wind.  There were only 5 boats out for the event, with a new fireball sailor coupled with a young laser skipper as well as another less experienced crew.  Gregg and I were joined by Frank and Sean as well as Noah Purves-Smith and Kent McRae (who sailed with my dad in his teens).   These two boats were allowed to start prematurely at the one minute flag to even out the racing.  This has helped them stay sailing with the fleet for longer periods improving their skill level, not to mention minimizing their frustration at frequently being left behind.

Racing was close and competitive with places shifting upwind and down, which left little room for error.  Sunday dawned colder by 10 degrees and wet, with the wind blowing about 10-12 knots by start time.  Only Frank and Sean and Gregg and I made the start line that day.  We sailed two long races with Frank and Sean showing their strong heavy air technique.  They were ahead in both races and we only beat them in the first race due to a massive wind shift as we rounded the last mark.

Frank and Sean have made great efforts this year to take other club singlehanded sailors out for fun rides in their boat which I think may start to pay off.  At the very least these sailors are finding out just how fun the Fireball is.

See the Results section for standings