Vice Commodore Arthur Kirkpatrick attended the event, and here is his report;

The sixth annual Icebreaker Regatta was held at Clyde Marina in Ardrossan on 13/14th April. Held under the flag of Fairlie Yacht Club, the event was sponsored by Clyde Marina, providing organisation, berthing and services, and Geronimo Sailing who provided the Committee Vessel. Brugal Rum generously donated the prizes.

A small but quality fleet including some of the Clyde's top race boats was present for a weekend of short sharp races, featuring the availability of coaching from the RYA's top keelboat coach Barry Dunning. Jeremy Smart of North Sails, and Greg Pitt of Saturn Sails were present to provide advice on all aspects of sail choice and setting.

With no high ground nearby to upset the wind flow, the race area to the south of Ardrossan harbour once again proved to be a very suitable venue for racing. With the exception of a short spell after race one , the racing took place in generally south to south south east air, varying from 10 to 15 knots. The dying breeze at the conclusion of race one obliged race officer Peter Wright to delay the second start for nearly 40 minutes. Fortunately the new air was not long in filling in, and the fleet was blessed with excellent conditions including some sunshine for the remaining four races.

The short windward/leeward courses used placed a premium on good starting, and in three of the five races there were premature starters. Even at this early stage of the season, there was evidence of competitive spirit in abundance. Having the eagle eye of the coaches on your boat was a good incentive to try harder. Three of the Beneteau First 40s and Roxstar, the XP38i were sailing on very similar handicaps, demanding maximum commitment from the crews.

The five races sailed on Saturday provided three different winners, testimony to the closeness of the racing. Races 1,4,and 5 were won by Zephyr (S Cowie) the top rated First 40. Race two was won by Absolutely 2 (Kelly/Bramall) , a Mumm 36 from the Forth. Race three was won by Salamander XX1 (J Corson), a first 35 . Due to the forecast of poor conditions with up to 40 knots of wind for Sunday, the decision was made to conclude racing at the end of race five on Satrurday. Zephyr and Eos tied on points, but with four first places, Zephyr was judged Overall Winner, third was Absolutely 2.

At the conclusion of racing on Saturday, and accompanied by beer and pizza provided by Fairlie Yacht Club, the crews enjoyed a thorough debrief and video review of the racing delivered by the coaches and sailmakers. On Sunday morning coach Barry Dunning lectured crews on racing rules, starting techniques and preparation for racing. This was accompanied by advice on sail trimming by Jeremy Smart of North Sails.

Fairlie Yacht Club is grateful to the team at Sunbird/Clyde Marina, David Kent of Scottish Sailing Institute, and FYC member and Race Officer, the evergreen Peter Wright, for organising a very well run event.

Results; 1 Zephyr (S Cowie) 2 Eos ( R Stuart), 3 Absolutely 2 (Kelly/Bramall), 4 Carmen 2 (A Jeffrey/P Scutt), 5 Elf too (R and C Murray, 6 Roxstar (Anderson/Findlay), 7 Black Prince (T Kirchin), 8 Salamander XX1 (J Corson), 9 Jacob 2 (J Stamp), Mojo (Donald Syme), 11 Hoodlum (R Ferguson)