Eleven DAC Sailors attended our Handicap racing today.

The promised Nor’Easter was a little late arriving but was most welcome when it did. The temperature had reached 37^oC at the start of racing and nicely dropped to around 30^oC after race 1.

The wind range was 4 to 20 with final gusts to 29 Km/Hr. (2 to 11, gusts to 15 Knots). A light chop developed.

The first race was a drifter. Although a handicap start, all boats crossed the line about a minute after the gun.

The scores were as close as I’ve seen in a long while, eight points between the first nine boats.

Martin Thearle led the charge and with his meaty handicap, had 2 firsts to win the day. Martin scored 21 points to edge out all others. The first of 2 multiple countbacks was taken by Richard Thorpe. Richard also had 2 firsts for his 24 points. Phil Stevenson and Noel McPherson both joined in with 24 points. Phil took 3^rd place and Noel 4^th after a countback.

John Porter really enjoys his Handicap days and nicely earned his first and second place. Rob Lowndes again fared well with 3 places. And now for the real battle! Judy Evans, Brian Chapman and Narelle Derwent each scored 29 points. Judy’s first in race 4 being the decider there.

I feel the “29 points club” may well have involved Trevor Bowden and Peter Hirschl as well. Trevor had to leave early for domestic duties and Peter had unfixable radio failures after his 3^rd place in race 3.

Race winners were Martin Thearle 2, Phil Stevenson 1, Richard Thorpe 2, John Porter 1, Judy Evans 1 and Trevor Bowden 1.

Martin Thearle took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 21 points.

Phil Stevenson finished in 2nd place on 24 points.

Richard Thorpe finished in 3rd place with 24 points after a countback.

The Club Championship now has Martin Thearle in front from Noel McPherson and Stephen Deane.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 12^th February for a Scratch Event.

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