This Is Guernsey

THE first yacht race of the 2008 Heritage Group Frostbite series marked the end of an era for the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club. It signalled the last post-race prizegiving to be staged in the headquarters above the Ship and Crown after more than 25 years there.

The club is moving about two cables further north to a new home.

On the water, the predicted gale-force winds somehow had eased and 13 yachts jostled at the start of the six-race series, facing a mere force 5/6 but with gusts up to 34 knots.

The clean start off Castle Cornet saw the fleet of racers and cruisers heading south towards the Gabrielle mark south of Fermain Bay.

The Melges 24, Wicked Feet (Chris Sharp), had the perfect start and was first at the turn with the other Melges, White Rabbit (Simon Henning) and Madcap (J. and G. Hamilton), chasing hard. Tomahawk (Gordon Wilson) was the first cruiser at Gabrielle, with Busker (McKerrell and Parkin) also in contention.

The fleet then had a dead run northwards towards Brehon, with several yachts broaching alarmingly as the big gusts took control of the spinnakers.

The tail-enders could see the problems ahead and most dumped the big sails quickly, enabling them to power through the squalls without losing speed.

Meanwhile, the Cruisers headed for Vivian and home, with Tomahawk and Busker battling it out against the wind and tide with a tacking match.

Tomahawk took line honours but was to settle only for second place on handicap behind Busker.

The Sadler 26, Glenfruin (David Herschel), eventually came in third after a struggle in the squalls and only two minutes on handicap above the Contessa 26, Dark Horse (Mark Dunster).

The racers had to sail to the distance mark at the castle before yet another spinny run northwards. Although the wind had eased a little, it was noticeable that spinnakers were not so prominent as before.

White Rabbit forged ahead, taking line honours and first place on handicap. Vamoosh (R. Dorey) was sailed well and deserved second on handicap. The X-362 Blue Jade (A. Clark), skippered this time by Ron Wilkes-Green, had elected not to fly the kite and so had a steady run into third spot.

Article posted on 25th January, 2008 - 12.00am