Duo clinch Frostbite Series successes

Geri van Haren and Alan Cox picked up wins as Welland Yacht Club’s Frostbite Series continued on Sunday.
Held in grey skies and very little wind, the boats also had to contend with the fast flow of water in the river after all the heavy rain of the past week.
Ten boats came to the line for race one (fifth of the series) and the wind meant that it was a tight reaching start.
It was the Phantom of van Haren, with the Lasers of Keiron Powell, Andy Prior and the Solo of Helen Boyd who had the best start, followed by Andy Agar (OK) and Clive Herd (Streaker).
Much to everyone’s relief the course was shortened to just one lap and it was van Haren who crossed the line first well out in front.
However, it was close between Powell and Prior behind. A combination of flow and breeze allowed Prior to catch him and they could not be separated at the finish line, finishing in a dead heat.
After handicap it was van Haren who scored a well deserved win almost a minute in front of Prior and Powell.
Race two was also reduced to one lap given the conditions.
Again it was a reaching start and Cox (Laser) managed just to stay behind the line at the start to get away from Powell, Prior, van Haren, Herd and Nick Bonsor (Solo).
Once again it was van Haren with the larger sail area who was able to make progress as he overhauled Cox to lead.
It was left to Cox and Prior to battle it out for second and third place on the water.
It was Cox who came out on top to claim second in front of Prior, with the chasing Graduate of Tack and Slator finishing just ahead of Agar, Herd and Powell who were all in a line on the run to the line.
After the handicaps were applied it was Cox who finished first with Prior in second and van Haren in third.
Anyone wanting to find out more about sailing should contact the club via email [email protected]