Frozen Few

The Race Committee challenged The Frozen Few's fleet of Sunfish sailors on the Narragansett Bay to an unusual course with a flag set daringly between the North and South docks of the Edgewood Yacht Club Marina. Temperatures were comfortable and the NNE winds were refreshingly light. 

Frostbite races were cancelled on February 21, 2010 due to unfavorable weather conditions.

The race area was developing white caps on the surface of the water in strong gusts. Despite the temperature being on the mild side, the strong winds were producing significant wind chill. The forecast was for the winds to pick up as the day went on, so sailors opted on the side of safety, deciding collectively that racing should be cancelled for the day.

A few sailors took the opportunity to practice in the more sheltered areas without adding in the challenges of racing a particular course with determined competitors. Spectators from shore were impressed when Kyle caught one spectacular gust that gave his sunfish a "Rooster Tail." 

Examples from the week before show Catherine and Michael enjoyingthe consequences of "whistling for wind" 

Everyone safely back to shore, looking forward to next week and Spring.

Racing today was brief but exciting. A strong northwest wind with powerful gusts propelled our skippers around the first course in record time, planing on the reaches to and from the jibe mark. The wind strengthened further for the second race, which managed to wear out several competitors. Seeing these skippers retire, the race committee called an end to the day's races, but a few skippers ran one last unofficial race before coming back to the dock.

A nearly perfect  day of sailing today Start!: 9 of the 11 skippers crowd the line - 24Jan10with 11 boats on the line. At first, prospects looked bleak.  There was no wind and a thin layer of ice on the course. But as race time approached, a nice S/SE breeze filled in and skippers skimmed through the ice with bright sun.

Scores were tight, forcing tie-breaking between Fauss and Kyle, and between Doug and JonC.  Thanks to Gene for clearing the deck before skippers arrived, and to Fauss, who "paid" for his first-place by providing clam chowder for the whole FrozenGang, to go with Madelyn's cheese biscuits.