Blithfield Barrel 2024/25 - Week 3
by Alastair Reid 14 Jan 04:57 GMT
November 2024 - February 2025
Ever wondered what drives dinghy sailors to don their winter garb and push their boat through the pack ice for a day's racing? Me too! However, 25 boats from as far away as Dorset hit the water (and ice) for the third round of the iconic Blithfield Barrel.
Twenty-four hours earlier, you couldn't see the nearest race mark and nor was it moving, having been immobilised by the aforementioned frozen water. The wind wasn't looking too hot either. But you should never judge this reservoir by its forecast! The signs of a breeze could be seen on the distant shore, the PRO did a quick tour round the sailing area, declared all was well and the race was live. Fortified by a breakfast of haggis and bacon rolls (it is January after all, the month that some of us commemorate Robert Burns), the eerie quiet of the reservoir was harshly broken by the sounds of forefoot and stem on sheet ice.
A clean start in light south-easterly winds saw the mixed fleet (including one Streaker on its maiden sail) head for Mark Y up by the dam. As it turned out, the key was to choose the Clubhouse side of the water which had stronger wind albeit without the usual shore lift bonus. A short broad reach followed to the gybe mark at 7 and then a run down the length of the water to 5 before a short second beat back up and round Mark 4, then back to W and through the start.
The wind came and went ranging from 3-6 knots (as recorded at the Clubhouse) but in this direction the Clubhouse is in a wind shadow so the actual wind on the water was higher. Nonetheless, there were some moments when you could only judge your progress by watching the surface bubbles drift past, so only 2 laps were completed. Line honours went to the 505 of Charles Chandler and Owen Mills with Adam Froggat in his Phantom taking first place on corrected time.
Lunch was postponed as a decision had been made to run both races back-to-back to minimise the impact of the low temperatures, so the next race got under way in short order. Again, a clean start and the same course was run. More wind encouraged the PRO to allow the faster boats to do 3 laps though this time the choice of the Clubhouse shore didn't pay off (ask me how I know). Line honours and corrected time first place went to the 505.
The second race was peppered with sunshine, photogenic light and blue skies, and although the wind didn't ever see the need for hiking out, all competitors seemed to enjoy a bracing and bright race. That said, the shoreline ice still hadn't melted and the gentle crunch of thin ice on hulls announced the return of the fleet. A late lunch of Cottage Pie and Apple and Raisin Crumble mixed with varying liquid refreshments capped off a most satisfying day. The final round of this season's Blithfield Barrel is on 16th Feb 2025. Hope to see you there.