The big fleet readies itself for the off and a south to north start . (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0914038)

A BIG fleet of 21 yachts was on the line for race three of the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club’s Frostbite series.

The wind was a brisk force four to five from the north/north-east – more than for the previous event and promised a good sail.

The 14 yachts in the racer class lined up together with the seven cruisers for a south to north start and a beat up to the first mark at Vivian.

These conditions suited the fast Melges yachts and White Rabbit (S. Henning) and Madcap (G. & J. Hamilton) led the fleet away from a good and crowded start.

Vamoosh (R. Dorey), X-Celerator (M.Ozard/C. Morris) and Blue Jade (A. Clark) were also in contention in this early stage of the contest.

The racers had a course that took them between Vivian and Anfre and involved them beating upwind and running downwind – most launching spinnakers.

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