Marintime update : Viking Marine DMYC Dinghy Frostbite Racing Cancelled  on…

Marintime update : Viking Marine DMYC Dinghy Frostbite Racing Cancelled  on…

The Viking Marine DMYC Dinghy Frostbite series, a popular winter racing event held in Dun Laoghaire Harbour, has announced the cancellation of its scheduled races for Sunday, December 15th, 2024. Race organizers made the decision following a review of weather forecasts, which predicted challenging and unsafe conditions for sailing.

Race Officer Cormac Bradley cited the high wind gusts expected for the day as the primary reason for the cancellation. “Given the current forecast, we have decided to cancel tomorrow’s Frostbites. Upper wind strengths in the high twenties for gusts suggest we shouldn’t be racing,” Bradley explained. Winds of this magnitude, especially when combined with the cold December temperatures, can make dinghy racing both dangerous and unpleasant, with risks of equipment failure or injury to sailors.

The Viking Marine DMYC Dinghy Frostbite series has a long-standing tradition in Dun Laoghaire Harbour, offering sailors the opportunity to test their skills in challenging winter conditions. The series, which runs every Sunday from early November through to March, attracts a range of competitive and recreational sailors, all eager to brave the chilly waters of Dublin Bay. These races have become a fixture in the Irish dinghy sailing calendar, offering a unique challenge for sailors who enjoy competitive racing even during the off-season.

However, safety remains the top priority for the organizing team, and cancellations are not unusual in such extreme weather conditions. When wind gusts exceed 25 knots, the race committee typically assesses the situation carefully. Conditions that include heavy winds, reduced visibility, or freezing temperatures can compromise both the safety of the competitors and the integrity of the event.

The cancellation of this Sunday’s race is not the first instance this season where weather conditions have forced a pause in the Frostbite series. The event was also called off on December 8th due to similar weather concerns. While disappointing for those who look forward to the weekly races, the decision is made with the sailors’ welfare in mind.

Dun Laoghaire Harbour, with its sheltered bay and iconic pier, is an ideal venue for dinghy racing, but its proximity to the Irish Sea means it is also susceptible to rapidly changing weather patterns, especially during the winter months. In addition to the strong winds, sailors must often contend with other challenges like rain squalls, chilly temperatures, and rough seas, all of which add an extra layer of complexity to the sport.

Despite this setback, the Viking Marine DMYC Dinghy Frostbite series will resume the following weekend, weather permitting. Organizers and sailors alike remain hopeful that the season will continue smoothly after this brief interruption. Meanwhile, the cancellation provides a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sailing and the importance of maintaining a flexible approach when planning outdoor events, particularly in the winter months.

As always, the DMYC encourages participants and supporters to keep an eye on the weather updates and official announcements for further details. Safety is paramount, and while the Frostbite series may be temporarily on hold, the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defines this beloved event will undoubtedly continue throughout the season.

For those who want to stay connected with the event, Afloat.ie, Ireland’s leading marine journalism outlet, provides regular updates on sailing events, and readers can subscribe to their daily digest for the latest news.