A. Frostbiting is a type of organized, more fun than formal, off-season racing with slightly more rules than a beer canner.
As you might guess from its name, frostbiting takes place in cold weather (read: late fall, winter and early spring in the Northern hemisphere) in places where ice does not form on the water (read: this usually means in or very near to saltwater). Note that the terms "cold weather" and "ice" are relative. One club's temperature cut-off point could be 20° while another's is 33°, and a little peripheral ice may or may not have bearing on the ability to launch and sail boats.
How formal?
As opposed to a beer can race, where you just show up, most clubs will ask you to show up with a signed application and waiver or two. While you may be able to try frostbiting out for free once, regulars pay a seasonal entry fee that helps cover important things like hot chocolate, heating the clubhouse and other aprés-frostbiting essentials.
The races themselves are short courses subject to basic racing rules. Most frostbiting series do keep score and rankings (if only to know who gets periodic prizes of, say, suitcases of beer). Also, it's important to note that frostbiters tend to limit entries on any given Sunday to around 12 boats. This is about the maximum number that can be rigged, launched, raced and then hauled during shortened daylight hours.
Bigger clubs usually have regular one design classes, possibly with semi-relaxed measurement rules. (In other words, you may be able to cobble together a "beater" boat that would get you laughed out of a regular summer regatta.) Other places won't care what dinghy you've got; they'll just be happy you showed up to sail. Check with the club you're interested in to learn of their requirements.
What do I wear?
If you're planning on actively participating in frostbiting, learn this word: neoprene. You'll want either a wet- or drysuit, boots and gloves made out of the stuff. It's insanely easy to become hypothermic when the air temperature is sub-freezing and a body gets wet. Don't forget your mother's advice, either: wear a hat. Preferably a wool hat. The same type of hat mariners have traditionally worn to ward off hypothermia.
Important note: A drysuit, while sporting some inherent flotation qualities, is not any kind of substitute for a PFD. Always wear a PFD. Your club will undoubtedly insist on this. Besides that, drowning sucks all of the joy out of frostbiting.
Now, if you're a non-sailing Significant Other, or are otherwise planning to merely 'spectate' from the comfort of the clubhouse bar, just think ski lodge attire - minus the molded thermoplastic polyurethane boots.
Are there any etiquette "rules" for frostbiting?
Besides the standard "do-s" of basic good manners and appropriate dress, also follow the standard "don't-s." Don't:
- Neglect to stick around and help after the race.
- Neglect to stick around, period. This is a social gathering.
- Neglect to offer to buy a "round" at the bar, even if we're talking about hot chocolate.
As far as niceties like knowing where to park, or where to launch your boat go, just ask beforehand. The person with whom you make contact at the club will fill you in.
I'm convinced! Now where do I find these people?
Assuming you live in an area that supports this off-season fun, your best friend is Google, with which, I'm guessing, you are already familiar (since you're reading this online). The search term "frostbiting" is currently worth 10,400 hits, while "frostbiting sailing" gets you 720 - most of which have East Coast yacht club domain names. "Frostbiting" + "____________(insert your town here)" should get you right where you want to be, complete with the contact names and numbers you need.
As always, sail safely and enjoy yourself out there!
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