Yesterday was just right for eighteen DAC Sailors on our monthly Handicap racing day.

At last we had our Summer Nor’Easter.

The breeze was around 20 Km/Hr. with gusts to 33 towards the end of sailing, (11 up to 17 Knots).

A light to moderate chop developed on the falling tide and we enjoyed a 28^oC temperature.

This was ideal for C sails.

A course was set with a gate at both windward and downwind ends. This spread some of normal congestion we see with a large fleet. The start/finish line was comfortably in front of the Deck.

The racing got underway pretty close to time.

The Handicaps did their job well as the scores for most places were only a couple of points apart, including 2 countbacks.

Our Champion for the day was Paula Reilly. Paula won 3 races to score 33 points and just kept the others at bay. Lew Verdon was the closest contender coming home in second place with 34 points. Lew had 1 win and a second place. Bruce Paterson had 5 front group finishes with 2 places to score 36 points. Bruce came third.

John Porter was back after a touring break and had a win in race 4. Our guest from the U.K. Tony Merewether had a good day with many finishes up towards the front. Tony’s off back home shortly, farewell Tony!

Robin Tickner had two wins, a great effort from a distant handicap. Robin tied with Karen Paterson (a win and place) with Robin winning the countback. The positions from 4^th to 14^th were only 14 points apart. Once again, each point can have a bearing on the final positions.

Our long markers had a difficult day with Robin Tickner the only one to break into the front group. Peter Burton, Graham Brown, Martin Thearle, Phil Stevenson, Noel McPherson and Stephen Deane had little chance. Those who don’t normally feature on scratch days all sailed so well that they dominated the scoresheet.

A good day’s sailing by all,

Race winners were Paula Reilly 3, Lew Verdon 1, John Porter 1, Robin Tickner 2, Karen Peterson 1 and Judy Evans 1.

Paula Reilly took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 33 points.

Lew Verdon finished in 2nd place on 34 points.

Bruce Paterson finished in 3rd place with 36 points.

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

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

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