Fireballs win the Blackwater Icicle
Harlow Blackwater Sailing Club was delighted to host the 2011 Blackwater Icicle which was held on Sunday, 9th January 2011. It turned out to be a glorious sunny day, albeit with a fresh 10 – 15 mph westerly breeze. An excellent fleet of 38 boats turned up for the event consisting of Fireballs, Phantoms, Lasers, Merlins and many other classes.
After a short beat to the first leg within the creek it was Martin Scarth and Tony King (Fireball – Blackwater SC) who managed to gain an overlap on Mark Maskell and Nigel Sheppard (Fireball – Blackwater SC) and thereby took the lead on the kite leg down to the next mark. They were hotly pursued by the rest of the fleet which stretched out in an orderly fashion though there were sounds of raised voices as helms stretched the rules to the limit to maximise their boat speed and keep clear air.
After a good course set out in the main river and two laps back in the creek, it was Mark Maskell and Nigel Sheppard who sailed brilliantly to take the lead back from Martin Scarth and Tony King. Piers Lambert and Tim Bees (Merlin Rocket – Brightlingsea SC) sailed an excellent race to come in third on handicap with Simon Maskell (Contender – Hunts SC) sailing particularly well to come in fourth. The Phantoms from Stone Sailing Club had a battle of their own with Neil Fulcher coming in 5th place in front of arch rival Nick Radley only four seconds behind. The rest of the fleet enjoyed some close, exciting racing especially on the reach from Steeple to Doctor
The prize giving was held in the Clubhouse after the visiting boats were packed up. The Commodore thanked all those who had helped organise the event, including Maylandsea Bay SC who had provided one of their safety boats for the day. He congratulated Mark Maskell and Nigel Sheppard on winning the event and presented the Icicle Trophy. Four further prizes were awarded to runners up. Mark Maskell made a speech and congratulated Harlow Blackwater Sailing for running a very successful event.
Overall Results:
1st Fireball 14805, Mark Maskell & Nigel Sheppard (Blackwater SC)
2nd Fireball 14982, Martin Scarth & Tony King (Blackwater SC)
3rd Merlin Rocket 3671, Piers Lambert & Tim Bees (Brightlingsea SC)
4th Contender 683, Simon Maskell (Hunts SC)
5th Phantom 1362, Neil Fulcher (Stone SC)
