Eleven DAC Sailors came along to enjoy our Handicap Racing today.

The skies were partly cloudy, as forecast and the wind was a South Easterly ranging from 7 up to 29 Km/Hr, (4 to 15 Knots).

There were the doldrums which are expected with this direction and we all suffered accordingly.

There were no sail changes required as we all stayed on “B” ‘s. No Course changes needed as the direction was pretty constant throughout the afternoon. The Course gave us all a fair go, although very frustrating at times.

Handicap days can take a little longer with the scoring required and changes to one’s starting times. Many thanks to Graham Brown and Phil Stevenson who were both quick to pick up the score sheet and start calculating. We were able to complete our ten races in good time.

The Handicaps ranged from -15 out to 85 seconds. As the day progressed, that range extended out to 115 seconds.

Graham Brown was the winner on 31 points. Starting on a Handicap of 80 seconds, Graham still managed a win and several places. All his finishes were the result of sailing through the Fleet to consistently rate in the top 6 or better. Brendan Hones had a great day on the water. Sailing in his first Handicap event with us, Brendan settled in well taking 3 wins and a place. Only 2 points behind, Brendan came in second. Phil Stevenson suffered the longest Handicap to begin. From 85 seconds, Phil also scored all his finishes in the top group which included 2 places, coming in third.

David Moont and Steve Crewes both shared 37 points in the washup and were neck and neck on the scoresheet all day. David had a 2 wins and 2 places to just pip Steve on a countback, Steve scored a win and 3 places. Another Race winner, Ian Spencer has his boat cutting nicely through the water. Ian took out Race 9 and only a mix-up at the bottom gate cost him another win.

The scores were mostly within a point or 2, with two settled by a countback.

Race winners were Graham Brown 1, Brendan Hones 3, David Moont 2, Steve Crewes 1, Ian Spencer 1, and Brian Chapman 2.

Graham Brown took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 31 points.

Brendan Hones finished in 2nd place on 33 points.

Phil Stevenson finished in 3rd place with 35 points.

The Club Championship now has Graham Brown in front from Phil Stevenson and Peter Close.

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

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