Nine hardy souls braved the forecast conditions yesterday for our Handicap racing.

Even though we did have a light shower or two, there was an Easterly breeze on almost smooth waters.

There was a heavy overcast and temperature around 18^oC. We started the day’s racing with a drifter. The wind gradually developed to 12 Km/Hr, with some gusts to 25, (7 to 13 Knots). We were well rugged up and were able to stay fairly dry.

The range of sails was “A” to “B” to “C” and back to “B” ’s for the end.

Despite all the above, it was a good day’s sailing. The competition was close and very cordial and the results were the tightest seen for quite some time.

To complete nine races was a good achievement, well done all.

Geoff Lucas won the day with 3 firsts and a score of 23 points. A starting Handicap of 50 seconds was nice, but Geoff had to contend with increases out to 110 by the end of racing. He still won race 9. Narelle Derwent started with a meaty Handicap, but sailed consistently well to win race 6 and have all finishes in the top half. Narelle scored 24 points to come second. Paula Reilly certainly likes Handicap racing. Paula started with a quite generous time and had a win and 3 places to come home third with 26 points.

By design, the start positions are well spread, but quite often the crowd at the second windward mark was very tight. Scoring the finishing positions was a challenge.

A note with the Handicaps. The times used on the day may differ. They are all adjusted together to help reduce the time to start. The original times are then used for the attached sheet.

Race winners were Geoff Lucas 3, Narelle Derwent 1, Paula Reilly 1, Brian Chapman 1, Judy Evans 1, Noel McPherson 1 and Lew Verdon 1.

Geoff Lucas took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 23 points.

Narelle Derwent finished in 2nd place on 24 points.

Paula Reilly finished in 3rd place with 25 points.

The Club Championship now has Graham Brown in front from Phil Stevenson and Judy Evans.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 11^th April for a Scratch Event.

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