This report from Noel McPherson, yet another great description of the day’s happenings.

“We were not sure what to expect for the racing yesterday.  Earlier in the week showers and high winds were threatened.  However we were greeted with rather more benign conditions.  The day turned out having a bit of everything… sun, deep brooding overcast, a few drops of rain, interesting gusts of wind, a few holes, and a few wind shifts just to keep us on our toes.

17 sailors arrived for our ever popular handicap racing day, and I don’t think they were disappointed.

We sailed to the west of the deck, so at some stage or another, if the sun was out, there was going to be a glare problem, but with the winds coming predominately out of the WNW, the course was set up by Graham Brown to have the bottom marks close in to the pontoon.  Did we have any clashes at those marks?  The wind swung through the afternoon to the NW.  Wind speeds were from zero in the lulls to generally 9 knots, with gusts up to 20 knots.

There were some interesting thoughts on sail selections to start; with a mix of B’s and C’s, and this was adjusted with a majority of B’s, then a majority of C’s depending on what the wind was doing. Some sailors stayed with the one sail – either B or C through the day.  Interesting thought processes.

Again, with everyone’s cooperation, we were able to get through 10 races.  Thanks everyone for your efforts.  We had a couple of hookups, but I don’t recall anyone needing help on the water. Bruce Paterson had problems with his boat, and could not sail the last few races – disappointing.  Rob Lowndes was always going to struggle, being the back marker for the day.  

It is again good to see wins and placings spread through the fleet.

Race winners were, Tim Alexander 3, Judy Evans 2, Philip Hetherington 1, Trevor Bowden 1, Narelle Derwent 1, Stephen Deane 1, and Bruce Paterson 1.

Tim Alexander took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 30 points.  Well done Tim.

Judy Evans finished in 2nd place on 37 points.

Phil Stevenson finished in 3rd place with 45 points.

Again, the score sheet shows up interesting groups of close results down the page where one or two points made a considerable difference in placings.

The Club Championship now has Martin Thearle in front from Noel McPherson and Robin Tickner.

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

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