The last race (race 11) of the Icicle series involved an Icicle Laser Duel (on 8Feb25). Two lasers tactically fought for first place.
This is a record of the race in terms of what was data logged. Both Lasers were equipped with a tracking device and a tide buoy was also used. The details are later in this post.
The outcome was that the front two lasers possibly match raced each other resulting in a slower race time and the third Laser (smaller sail) got the race win on handicap. Thus the tracks are very interesting (only if you head is in this area). The race 11 results viewed thro this link show seconds between these boats.
The rest of this post is providing more detailed race data which may help many competitors with sailing tactics and performance.
Before any race it is important to see the wind and tide forecast.
The wind was predicted to be from the East at 11 (kts) gusting to 12 with a fairly constant temperature of 5 degrees. The tide figures are given below:-
| Type of tide | Time (GMT) | Height (metres) |
| Low | 03:10 | 0.7 |
| High | 09:18 | 3.2 |
| Low | 15:45 | 0.7 |
| High | 22:08 | 3.2 |
Remembering – Race times start 12:00 (hence 3:45hrs before LW) with Finish and off water 14:00 (approx 1:45 before LW) thus the tide ebbing (running out) for the full race period but becomming weaker. The tide buoy took several measurements (confirming the outflow and no eddies) and these rates and directions have been shown on the main race diagram following.
The above aerial image has the full two race track of a laser on the race day of 08 Feb 25. It helps understand the tide, in relation to the land masses and Dorn plus the normal moorings and the Dorn passage. It explains to a degree that with an outflowing tide the laser kept North of the main course line, hence in less flow which was assistive.
The above drawing has the two lasers – red and green – shown in terms of track used. The red track has time stamps to assist understanding. hopefully the other info is self explanitory to a competitive sailor.
Tide arrows have the time, speed in knots and compass angle given in text next the hollow arrow.
Lots of data has been recorded and any questions can be sent by email to gp14edyc@talktalk.net
Well done to all competitors and thanks to the many who assisted and especially those who carried a tracker.
