We began the New Year yesterday with a Handicap Racing Event.

The weather forecast was with early showers and they cleared well before our Racing began.

Eight DAC Sailors braved this forecast and came along to enjoy what turned out to be a very challenging day on the water. The Club Weather Station recorded winds from the South at 28 to 55 Km/Hr, 15 to 29 knots. There was a heavy overcast. A plus was smooth waters, so we could easily see the gusts approaching.

There was no choice other than “D” sails for the day.

Sailing the Course was difficult. Tacking was a matter of choosing a spot between gusts and doing so early enough to avoid conflicts. Selecting a lay line to the upwind mark was a bit like tossing a coin. Several times when it appeared you were clear, a gust would push you sideways and into the mark. The following penalty turn was not easy to complete.

Each Sailor’s Handicap proved to be a fairly accurate figure as the scores show. As each boat finished and their Handicap was adjusted, the finishes became closer. It was not unusual for several boats to cross within seconds of each other. Graham Brown’s mobile scoring app showed 4 or so boats leading on equal points after race 8. The final scores included 3 countbacks to settle what was a very close day’s racing.

After a slow start and a good contender for the wooden spoon, I came good towards the end. A very close finish in Race 9 with Robin Tickner was called a tie for third place and that was the difference. Noel McPherson made the best of the conditions and several times was able to start well and lead at the first mark. Noel finished with two 1^sts and a 2^nd to come home in second place. Robin Tickner also had some good times on the water. Robin had 2 wins and some places to then suffer the effects of a countback, he came third. Graham Brown and Phil Stevenson both started on long Handicaps as a result of past high performances. They each sailed through the Fleet many times to take a win or place. Another early contender, Ian Spencer led the scoresheet and had a clear lead after 5 races. A win and three 2^nds is a great start. Phillip Hetherington and Terry Hey snared many high finishes between them. Although down the list a bit, they were very competitive.

Phil Stevenson started his sailing day with a Handicap of 2 minutes and 15 seconds after the gun. It seemed ages before he appeared, most of us were downwind from the first mark as he began his race. To end the day with 5 high finishes including 3 places was a great result.

Race winners were Brian Chapman 2, Robin Tickner 2, Noel McPherson 2, Graham Brown 2, Ian Spencer 1 and Terry Hey 1.

Brian Chapman took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 26 points.

Noel McPherson finished in 2nd place on 27 points.

Robin Tickner finished in 3rd place with 27 points, after a countback.

The Club Championship now has Brian Chapman in front from Robin Tickner and Noel McPherson, early days though!

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

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