It was quite a blustery, windy day on the water today. The Westerly ranged from 20 up to 56 Km/Hr., (11 to 30 Knots).

The temperature reached 24^oC with some overcast to shield the sun’s glare.

A and B sails stayed in the car and C’s stayed on the Deck. We used D sails all day.

The wind developed earlier in the morning so the chop had settled in to about a foot by sailing time, (or 30.48 Cm as they say).

We sailed a normal course as we are becoming quite practised with our D sails. It was a battle. Well done to all who sailed.

When the gusts hit, they continued for some time. Tacking was nigh impossible during them and gybing became a better option. There were quite a few place changes from the bottom gate to the finish line as a few light patches affected the tack home..

Stephen Deane managed the conditions well enough to very comfortably win the day. Stephen scored 17 points with a first and 4 places. His success dented his handicap somewhat from 30 out to 90 seconds for next time. Graham Brown started on 70 seconds and from there, continued to barrel through the fleet to come home in second place. Graham scored 25 points to lead a close bunch following. He had a win and 2 places. Robin Tickner snared third place with a second and 3 thirds. Robin scored 26 points. The positions from Robin’s 2^nd place and on were separated by only a couple of points. Martin Thearle continued his past good form with 2 firsts. Bruce Paterson and Narelle Derwent shared 30 points with Bruce’s win in race 1 giving him a countback advantage. Wins and places continued down the scoresheet. Lew Verdon, Phil Stevenson, Karen Paterson (a win), Noel McPherson (a win) and Judy Evans featuring well.

Congratulations to our new Member Peter Hirschl who scored his first win at the Club in race 6. On such a testing day, this was a great achievement.

Race winners were Stephen Deane 1, Graham Brown 1, Martin Thearle 2, Bruce Paterson 1, Karen Paterson 1, Noel McPherson 1 and Peter Hirschl 1.

Stephen Deane took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 17 points.

Graham Brown finished in 2nd place on 25 points.

Robin Tickner finished in 3rd place with 26 points.

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

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

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