Viking Marine Frostbite Series in Jeopardy Unless Sailors Rally

By this time in two weeks, the first of the 2024/25 DMYC Viking Marine Dinghy Frostbite races will be behind us, weather permitting, but to date, the entry is quite modest, at 37 boats in total. As the start of the series approaches, concerns have been raised that if entries do not increase sooner rather than later, the very viability of this Dun Laoghaire Harbour winter sailing institution might be in jeopardy.

The ILCA 6s are currently leading the way in terms of numbers, but even this usually buoyant fleet is down on last year's figures. While it is true that the ILCA 7s have seen a boost of late with the ongoing debate about weight and its effect on sailor performance generating renewed interest in this class, there is nothing to indicate this new impetus is having a knock-on effect for winter racing.

Meanwhile, the PY Class had managed to pull together seven entries, and with a myriad of other fleets struggling to reach double digits, concerns persist that if something does not change in the coming fortnight, it may not only be the season's start date that is at risk.

Those charged with running the Frostbites have run a well-oiled machine since the inception of the series back in 1976, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly on and off the water. It would be extremely sad if all that hard work were to go for naught due to a significant shortage of boats.

If the long and storied Viking Marine Dinghy Frostbite Series is to see its 50th event run as planned, the sailors will need to rally round to boost the entry figures. Hopefully, over the coming weeks, awareness will be raised among sailors, and instead of dwindling numbers, there will be a renewed surge in entries from Dun Laoghaire's sailing community to rescue the 2024/25 series.