Boxing Day saw the conclusion of the 2024 sailing season which has been impacted by the water level for the vast majority.
The sail was, as always, well supported offering the sailors a chance to work off any over indulgences of the previous day’s celebrations.
However the wind gods were against them as the breeze was just about sufficient to enable racing to take place under a grey sky, almost misty conditions and a reduced water level once again.
A turnout of ten boats set out at the start sailing for the Brass Monkey Trophy and incorporating this into the overall Frostbite series. They started away from the clubhouse to make their way to the nearest buoy number two and to do this for two laps.
With the lack of breeze it was important to make a good start for clear air and it was Andy Prior in the Laser who judged the port end start and was just able to clear the right of way boats of Emma Agar, sailing the club Laser, and Mark Scourfield, in the Solo.
Andy Agar in the OK was unable to do that and had to give way to both of them which did result in a slow coming together.
Alan Cox, in the Laser, Helen Boyd and her little elves in her Solo, and Richard Stedman, in his Comet, were clear of this and managed to cross the line without incident followed by Ian Thompson in the Solo, Adam Stabler also in the Solo, and son William in the best festive decorated Topper.
Prior had cleared what little breeze there was and headed out in front but was being caught by Andy Agar/
There was cross tacking going on between Emma Agar and Cox in the Laser, who were were followed by Scourfield, Boyd and Stedman, who were keeping in touch.
By the time the front boats had reached Shelly’s Bush Corner, Prior had established a lead that would only be extended during the race, rounding number two first followed by Andy Agar, Cox and Emma Agar, with Scourfield having to do his penalty turns after an infringement on the start line next/
He was followed by Boyd with Stedman close behind.
By this time the remaining boats had called it a day and retired.
Those remaining began to stretch out on the run back, becoming quicker with the flow of the river helping.
Cox and Emma Agar were able to catch and pass Andy Agar.
The second lap followed the same pattern with Prior extending his lead and there was some close racing between the boats of Cox and the Agar family to keep them interested.
With Stedman finding some boat speed in the Comet he was making ground and was in contention for the overall win in the higher handicap boat.
Prior crossed the line well ahead of the boats in the next bunch and it was Cox next, followed by Emma Agar who just sneaked in front of dad Andy.
Scourfield was next followed closely by Stedman, who had made inroads on the run, and then Boyd .
When the handicaps were applied it was a clear win for the individual Brass Monkey Trophy for Prior, followed by Stedman in second place, Scourfield was in third, five seconds ahead of Andy Agar in fourth who was 12 seconds ahead of Cox in fifth, 30 seconds ahead of Emma Agar in sixth and Boyd in seventh.
Brass Monkey Trophy winner – Andy Prior.
Frostbite Series winner– Mark Scourfield, 2nd –Alastair Mitchell, 3rd – Alan Chapman.
