We had seventeen DAC Sailors for our Handicap racing yesterday.

Although the forecast suggested a wind from the South East, we settled for a moderate Sou’Wester ranging from 6 to 21 Km/Hr., (4 to 12 Knots). Partly cloudy skies gave us a temperature of 27^oC.

Sail choice varied from A to C with B seeming the best compromise.

The set course needed the upwind marks to be a little further out. Judging the rounding was a challenge. I feel many of us touched or missed it at some stage.

The day went well with 9 races completed and very few rescues, all batteries must have been fully charged!

Handicap racing is a great leveller and yesterday was no different. A patchy wind at the start made it difficult to cross at one’s time. Wins and places went to the bottom of the scoresheet, with a gentle spread of points to the end. We had 3 countbacks. Sometimes that extra point really counts.

Reading the course became a decider for many races. To sail wide had a good chance of getting a great lift to the windward mark, but not always.

Philip Hetherington managed his day well with all his finishes in the front group. Two firsts and 2 second places secured Philip’s win for the day on a comfortable 28 points. Peter Burton joined us after a break and quickly settled back to his past good form. Peter had a win and a second which was enough to take home silver and second place with 34 points. Noel McPherson started each race well on time and with most top finishes scored 37 points for third place.

Richard Thorpe and Robin Tickner completed the top contenders for the day which was finally settled by the last race.

The rest of us has plusses and minuses but the challenge was always there to sail well.

Race winners were Philip Hetherington  2, Peter Burton 1, Richard Thorpe 1, Robin Tickner 1, Phil Stevenson 1, Narelle Derwent 1, Trevor Bowden 1 and Paula Reilly 1.

Philip Hetherington took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 28 points.

Peter Burton finished in 2nd place on 34 points.

Noel McPherson finished in 3rd place with 37 points.

The Club Championship now has Graham Brown in front from Phil Stevenson and Robin Tickner.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 10^th April for a Scratch Event.

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