Another successful Handicap day for fourteen DAC Sailors.

The weather was ideal, a Nor’Easter around 20 Km/Hr with a few gusts up to the low 30’s, (11 to 16 Knots). The temperature stayed in the high 20’s, somewhat better than the forecast of 34 degs.

All the above called for “C” sails. There was a sudden increase in wind as we began our 9^th Race which did bring out a couple of “D” ‘s.

Our more recent Members to RC sailing seized the day.

Richard Thorpe, Terry Hey, Martin Thearle and Peter Finlay set an early pace, either winning or placing well in the first few races. Starting with generous handicaps, even as their start times increased, they still continued to score well throughout the day.

Richard Thorpe scored 2 wins, the only one to do so. He backed these with a place and all finishes in the top half and won the day. Terry Hey also had a great day on the water. A win and 3 places gave him an equal top score of 29 points. Our consistent high performer Robin Tickner with 3 places, and again all finishes in the front group, matched the top score of the day. The countback procedure was well used with Richard, Terry and Robin having to move around the podium a bit to settle the final placings.

Martin Thearle had a win and 2 places. On a handicap day this result could normally have you in the top 3, Martin earned a comfortable, close fourth.

David Moont returned after his Summer break, a win and second place cleared much of the accrued rust. Peter Finlay, another newcomer to RC sailing grabbed a well earned 2^nd in the first race, a couple of top half finishes completed his day. Barry McCarthy unfortunately started his first few Races on the Deck. Once his servo issues were resolved, Barry hit top form in the last race, coming first.

The long markers have a battle on Handicap days. Those ahead on low times seem to relish the uncluttered start line and get away well, and hold their leads. Even so, given half a chance, an up to 2 minute handicap can not hold the long handicappers back. Phil Stevenson and Graham Brown still managed to sail through the fleet to take a win and some places. Robin Tickner, Noel McPherson mostly finished in the front third of the fleet to complete the top group.

Countbacks dictated many final positions. The top three boats and positions nine and ten were affected. Once again the handicaps are well matched to each Sailor. Seventeen points were the difference for the first eleven boats.

Race winners were Richard Thorpe 2, Terry Hey 1, Martin Thearle 1, Brian Chapman 1, Phillip Hetherington 1, David Moont 1, Phil Stevenson 1 and Barry McCarthy 1

Richard Thorpe took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 29 points.

Terry Hey finished in 2nd place on 29 points.

Robin Tickner finished in 3rd place with 29 points, a countback resolved the final placings.

The Club Championship now has Noel McPherson in front from Robin Tickner and Brian Chapman.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 9^th February for a Scratch Event.

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