Tri-Icicle Race at Snowflake Sailing Club

Tri-Icicle Race at Snowflake SC on the Norfolk Broads © Sue Hines

Snowflake Sailing Club at their new venue of Norfolk Broads Yacht Club Wroxham hosted the Annual Tri-Icicle Race in perfect sailing conditions of blue skies, a gentle 12mph south westerly breeze and a mild 15 degrees. Traditionally the race has always been a downriver race, however as this was the first event at their new venue Snowflakes adapted and ran a 3 hour pursuit race.

At 1100 OOD Ian Bray sounded the start for Oliver Smith in his Topper 5.3 to begin his 3 hour race which would finish at 1400. Over the next 1 half hours all 22 entrants started with start times adjusted for their respective handicaps,with the fastest boat of River Cruiser Storm starting last. The aim to be in the lead when the finish horn is sounded at 1400 hours.

Tri-Icicle Race at Snowflake SC on the Norfolk Broads - photo © Sue Hines

Over 12 different classes of boat competed in an array of shapes and sizes. 20 minutes after the first start Hamish Harmer in his Splash began his quest to catch the Topper while being pursued by Lasers, Solos, RS Aeros, Solutions, Yeoman and YBOB keelboats, Stars, Norfolk Punts as well as four massive river cruisers.

After 1 half laps Hamish overtook the Topper and held a considerable lead for the next hour as the faster boats closed in. Noticably so was Chris Bunn (Solo) and Martin Thompson (YBOB) who themselves on the same handicap were having a close battle. Paul Wren (Finn) and Nick Eastwood (Star) also looked to be contenders for victory as the race progressed.

Tri-Icicle Race at Snowflake SC on the Norfolk Broads - photo © Sue Hines

The river cruiser Swallow sailed by Richard Lord lead the cruiser fleet whilst the fastest cruisers of Starlight Lady and Storm had some very tight racing throughout the race.

With 45 minutes to go Chris Bunn took the lead having pulled away from others with some impeccable sailing. Nick Eastwood in the Star was gaining rapidly over taking several to move up to third but as the finish sounded it was the Solo that prevailed.

A fantastic days sailing in true Snowflakes spirit with a clubhouse full of happy sailors and supporters as Commodore James Patience presented the trophies.

Tri-Icicle Race at Snowflake SC on the Norfolk Broads - photo © Sue Hines

Overall Results:

Tri-Icicle Race at Snowflake SC on the Norfolk Broads - photo © Sue Hines

Tri-Icicle Race at Snowflake SC on the Norfolk Broads - photo © Sue Hines