Eleven DAC Sailors came along for our Handicap sailing event today.

The forecast was not good. Clear Skies were OK but a Westerly gale gusting to the low 50’s Km/Hr, (27 Knots) was definitely a challenge.

The actual weather was close to the above with a recorded gust at 49 Km/Hr, (26 Knots).

Our sail choice was easy, “D” ‘s all day.

There were some gentle patches which had the “D” sails gasping but they did perform well in the heavier gusts.

We did well to manage 8 Races. There were many rescues needed, one was a long range jobbie which almost needed a road toll to get back to the Club.

Our grateful thanks to Phil Stevenson, Stephen Deane and Robin Tickner who performed many of these rescues.

It was a Ladylike and Gentlemanly day of racing. There will always be the odd infraction but theses were all handled well, as they should be.

Everyone enjoyed a testing day and all were happy that we sailed.

Martin Thearle enjoyed a very gentle handicap of -20 seconds for Race 1. Martin adapted extremely well to the conditions winning 4 races and a second  to easily win the day on 10 points. Martin’s handicap blew out to 80 seconds by the end of racing. Terry Hey was certainly not put off by the conditions. Terry won Races 1 and 7 to come home in second place, scoring 18 points. Phil Stevenson started well after us all with his handicap hovering around 100 seconds. Despite this, Phil still scored well with 3 places and a win in Race 8 to come third on 20 points.

The handicapping was close to the mark with a gentle spread of points after Martin’s win. Places went well down the list with Robin Tickner (a win), Judy Evans, Lew Verdon, Barry McCarthy, Brian Chapman, Stephen Deane and Ian Spencer, all placing a foot on the podium at one stage.

Race winners were Martin Thearle 4, Terry Hey 2, Phil Stevenson 1 and Robin Tickner 1.

Martin Thearle took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 10 points.

Terry Hey finished in 2nd place on 18 points.

Phil Stevenson finished in 3rd place with 20 points.

The Club Championship now has Graham Brown in front from Noel McPherson and Phil Stevenson.

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

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