Alton Water 2020 Fox's Chandlery & Anglian Water Frostbite Series - Week 5

Cadet sailors handle the breeze well on week 5 of the Alton Water 2020 Fox's Chandlery & Anglian Water Frostbite Series © Tim Bees

This has been a windy series so far and this week was no exception. The day started fairly benignly with a steady south-westerly but the wind picked up towards the end of the first race and by the start of the second race it had built to a good 20mph with some stronger gusts of up to 30mph. There were periodic deceptive lulls when the sky cleared a little and it looked as though it was going to be a nice afternoon but then the wind suddenly picked up again as the cloud rolled in.

A slightly shorter course than usual was set. Forty-two boats started the first race and most were able to finish, though there were several capsizes along the way and of the 36 who started the second race, 30 finished. It was noticeable that even some of the normally hardy asymmetrics were struggling while the Laser fleet and other single-handers were able to manage the breeze.

Start of the Laser fleet on week 5 of the Alton Water 2020 Fox's Chandlery & Anglian Water Frostbite Series - photo © Tim Bees

Well done to Rheanna Pavey in a Laser Radial and Toby Bush & George Cox in a Cadet who won both their races. The series fleet leaders remain the same as last week and after ten races the overall series leaders, for which there is a special trophy, are Stephen Videlo & Ethan Davey with Christopher & Cathy Fish and Alan Krailing & Charlotte Stewart close behind.

It was a good day for Tim Bees, our series photographer, conveniently positioned at the gybe mark, who managed to capture many people in uncompromising positions.

This Sunday is looking exceptionally windy. As always with this series being a Frostbite, it is on until it's off, but keep a look out on the Alton Water Sailing Facebook page for any updates.

Before the breeze kicked in on week 5 of the Alton Water 2020 Fox's Chandlery & Anglian Water Frostbite Series - photo © Tim Bees

Tim Bees' photos can be seen at https://www.flickr.com/photos/186283532@N03/albums/72157712947819623 and there are more photos on the Alton Water Sailing Facebook page.

Race and series results to date can be found on the Alton Water Frostbite Results Facebook page.

Fast fleet highlights for this week:

Asymmetric fleet highlights for this week:

Laser fleet highlights for this week:

Medium fleet highlights for this week:

Slow fleet highlights for this week:

Series leaders after eight races:

Special guests for week 5 of the Alton Water 2020 Fox's Chandlery & Anglian Water Frostbite Series - photo © Tim Bees