Ice Cup in Sweden

If people live in areas that get a real winter, are they more apt to get on the water in sketchy conditions? Like these below:

Attached are some images from the 10th edition of Ice Cup in Sweden. Minus 10 degrees C and snow was not a big problem for the 120 Vikings who turned up for the start. The 25 teams raced in J/92, however, spinnakers were not allowed due to too much ice on foredeck; winch handles were used to hack ice off deck.


Regards,


Oskar Kihlborg
Kihlborg Film AB
www.kihlborg.se