The Annapolis Frostbite series has been a long standing tradition. In fact, the Cal25s are the largest fleet and the longest continuous fleet in the series. For many, this is the best racing of the year. Why? Great social event, two starts each day, quick time from dock to start, and lots of strategy and boat handling.
The race starts in downtown Annapolis. Most of the fleet meet at Roirden's for brunch at the far end of the bar. In fact, there are so many of us and we have been doing this for so long, the named their most popular entree after us: The Cal25-- two eggs, corned beef hash, potatoes, a muffin, and for the Cal25 fleet... a beer.
After the food and beer, it is time to race. Make a 10 minute dash
to the boats at Burnside street. Almost every boat you see here is
a Cal25-- I am not even sure how many. There are other Cal25s that
race ans slip elsewhere in addition. With no spinnakers, prep time
is usually less than 20 minutes and must be timed with the drawbridge opening
every 30
minutes.
Here we do the last minute juggling of crew. Who has extras, who needs a crew. This week we had a high school 'rock star' that sailed with Bill Natter-- if they only listened to him.
There is also another new boat in the fleet.
In frostbite racing, your equipment is far less important that your skills and strategy.
Our hero (Ronin in 681) takes the start. The start is always important; however, in Frostbite racing with the short course it is the most important thing.
If you have been reading the open forum recently, there has been a lot of controversy about longer batten lengths in the Annapolis fleet and the larger roach size in the Bank's main sails. The above picture shows that fuller roach. I personally like a fuller roach, others have trimmed them back because they always get caught in the back stay.
We run two races. This week, I sailed on my old boat Ronin and skippered to boat to a 1st place in the first race. The second race was skippered by John Woldridge the new owner who also took the boat to a 1st place finish. Ironicly, the 2nd place boat in both races was CL2 which was guest skippered by Dave Godwin, the previous owner of Ronin before me. Must be something about the boat....
In between the two races. We tie up at Annapolis Yacht club to warm up.
Once more quick drink and it is time for some more racing.
Frostbite is a great opportunity to perfect crew work and also to try on another boat. The picture below has Carol Buchman (usually CL2 foredeck) working with Tim Bloomfield. Every time I have raced with another boat and crew I have learned something.
After the 2nd race, it is back to the dock for cleanup and congratulations.
Bill (in the picures above) Natter has been working on his fuel
conservation program with a
tow.
After a quick cleanup, it is out to Eastport Yacht club for 'warm up' drinks. It is amazing how hard sailing is on the liver. A winter night in a Cal25 with no electricity and too much to drink is a bad way to start a Monday morning.