Apparently, eight Interclubs participated in Frostbiting on Dec. 5. Only four of them sailed all races. The top three skippers were (1) Pedro Lorson and Mimi Barry, (2) Steve Moore and Jerry Morea, (3) Ted Toombs and Monique Gaylor. The wind was gusting to over 15 knots, generally southerly.

The three crash boats that were on duty were overworked. At least four boats capsized. (It may be noted that the youngest team competing, Doug Morea and Jason Hill, did not capsize.)

In chats with various qualified people, a few interesting aspects of frostbiting have come to attention. Most people probably know that after a capsize one crash boat picks people out of the water and rushes them ashore. Another boat brings in the overturned boat. Crash boats used this year are Whalers plus another one dubbed "Large Marge" (roughly 18 feet long).

There has been a change in the committee boat, which is kept moored in the bay. The one that replaces the old Kraus's Kastle is a new Worry Wart displaying the name Krause's Kastle. (Howard J. Kraus had long been an important part of Frostbite activities that date back many years.)

Many well-known experienced sailors have served on crash boats. In no particular order, among them have been Ralph Heinzerling, Ed du Moulin, Don Canfield, Jack Loda, Bob Carpenter, Michael Yorke, Dick Field and John/Nan Barry.

This sure has been a season of wonderful sunsets. Many have been more than worthy of a trip to the Town Dock.

Here is the latest bulletin re: the Lodas, taken from The Blinker of NSYC:

The Loda family is back in Port Washington, and their 52-foot yacht, Christianne, is in New Zealand.

Elizabeth, daughter Christianne and Hannah the cat flew home Oct. 30. Jack flew back Nov. 20.

They are not certain when they will resume their round-the-world cruise nor whether they will return via the Cape of Good Hope or the Mediterranean. "Lot of experience," Jack says.