What a great day!

Nineteen DAC Sailors, a Summer Nor’Easter and a pleasant temperature around 23^oC.

The breeze kicked in early and ranged from 16 up to 38 Km/Hr., ( 9 to 20 Knots).

A few “B” sails were sighted for the practice race but “C” ‘s were replaced by “D” sails as racing progressed and the wind steadied.

We welcome our newer RC Sailor, DAC Club veteran Mick Costa sailing #214.

We contended with a moderate chop which developed to small waves by the end of racing. “D” sails can be a bit tricky under these conditions but all managed pretty well.

Thank you to the Race Officers, who were volunteered, and accepted.

They were kept busy as the flurry of boats at the first mark was generally chaotic. Laying the mark was a challenge with the choppy waters not helping. Sometimes a gybe was needed to clear those around you when you missed the mark.

Graham Brown came back to his best with a convincing win. Five firsts and a second place gave Graham 7 points to comfortably take the day. Always there but just couldn’t crack it on the day, Phil Stevenson had 1 first and 3 places to score 18 points and lock in second. Robin Tickner won race 7, and together with 3 places came home in third place.

The points closed up with those following. Martin Thearle and Stephen Deane shared 23 points with Martin benefitting from the countback. Noel McPherson stayed with his “C” sail longer than most and finished with 2 places and always in the front half of the fleet. Rob Lowndes was very competitive and also had all his finishes in the front group. Judy Evans came second in race 5 and that was the last place available for the day. Geoff Lucas started the day very well with a 7^th and a 4^th, but went off the boil for the following races.

Sailing the course was just a matter of getting one’s best boat speed. Each side of the course was similar, wind wise.

Race winners were Graham Brown 5, Phil Stevenson 1, Robin Tickner 1 and Brendan Hones 1.

Graham Brown took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 7 points.

Phil Stevenson finished in 2nd place on 18 points.

Robin Tickner finished in 3rd place with 20 points.

The Club Championship now has Graham Brown in front from Phil Stevenson and Martin Thearle.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 28th November for a Scratch Event.

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