HAMPTON, Tenn. (WJHL) – In a daring start to the new year, over a dozen sailboats, accompanied by their crews, took to the brisk waters of Watauga Lake for the 26th Frostbite Race on New Year’s Day.

“It’s shaping up to be an excellent day for sailing,” remarked Dirk Wilson, the commodore of the Watauga Lake Sailing Club. “Temperatures will hover in the upper 30s, so it won’t be too cold. The wind is expected to be around eight miles per hour, with gusts reaching 20 to 25, which should make for an exciting race.”