THE first race of the Frostbite dinghy series at Weir Quay Sailing Club was not for the faint-hearted, with an imminent gale warning in force and a northerly force 4 blowing whitecaps on the river.
Several helms decided to crew in the larger boats which reduced the field but ensured that all starters finished.
Nick Fell in his RS400 took a commanding lead from the start, completing the four laps of a triangular course in only 32 minutes the long north-south run together with a reach across the river clearly suiting a low displacement boat.
In contrast, the last Wayfarers took 62 minutes to finish, struggling as the wind speed increased to force 5 to 6.
RESULTS - Fast handicap: 1. Nick Fell - RS400 Mahina - 32 minutes. 2. John Tomlinson - Wayfarers Last Chance -37 minutes. 3. Andy Houghton - Wayfarers Wopit - 39 minutes. 4. Bob Townsend - Wayfarers Ruff 'n Tumble - 57 minutes.
Slow handicap: 1. Ben Houghton - Mirror Chimo - 25 minutes. 2. Peter Judd - Heron 1977 - 35 minutes.