The 38th Hoo Freezer was held over the weekend and followed the customary format of a practice race on Saturday and the main event on Sunday.

The temperature rose above freezing on Sunday, but disappointingly, only 43 of the 50 entries were on the start line.

After a false start, the medium handicap fleet were first away and Graham Camm/Zoe Ballantyne (National 12) were first to the windward mark, followed closely by Steve Hall/Simon Haighton (Scorpion) and the RS 200s of Steve/Judy Restall and Chris/Nikki Catt. Camm/Ballantyne held their place in the leading pack to win comfortably on corrected time.

The Catt duo won the RS 200 contest, finishing over a minute ahead to gain the runners-up prize.

Hall/Haighton took third place overall, with the Restalls having to settle for fifth.

In the fast handicap, Daniel Hare/Gareth Davies (49ER) powered away to establish a 15-minute lead at the line but was relegated to 13th on corrected time. Richard White/Martyn Styles (RS 400)kept up with the leaders for fourth.

The Freezer was hosted by Hoo Ness YC and organised with assistance from Wilsonian SC.

Full report in Friday's Medway Messenger