We had 16 sailors arrive to take on our monthly handicap racing day.

The conditions were looking good for some stronger sailing; with the breeze initially at the top of the ‘B’ sail.  There were a few ‘C’ sails that appeared and were carried through the day, but the winds settled a little to prove the ‘B’ sail was the better option. Winds swung from the NW to NE, so it allowed the course to be set to the east side of the Clubhouse; avoiding the glare from the sun in the later afternoon. We had the usual dead spots around the course just to make things a little more difficult.

It was good to get through 10 races, with only a couple of quick rescues.

It was not a day for the back markers, and there were times when it looked like they were going to be lapped before starting.  As a result, it is great to see new names at the top of the score sheet.

Good sailors who do not usually get recognition took up the top 7 places of the scoresheet – great to see.

Brendan Hones took out the day with Martin Thearle taking second place and Richard Thorpe in third.  Close behind was Bruce Paterson, John Porter and Geoff Lucas; with John and Geoff having to be separated on a count back. Phil Hetherington, Lew Verdon and Karen Paterson were also up there.  Rob Lowndes struggled a little at times and was caught up in contacts with other boats.

Brendan scored 2 first places together with John Porter and newcomer Trevor Bowden; and Richard Thorpe, Bruce Paterson, Phil Hetherington, and Paula Reilly shared the remaining top spots.

I think just about everyone shared in the minor placings on the day.

Big ticks are deserved for newcomers Paula Reilly and Tom Dwan for getting into the racing.

So, Brendan Hones takes the day with 26 points.

Martin Thearle finished in 2^nd place with 36 points.

Richard Thorpe finished in 3^rd place with 38 points.

We will have to leave the Club Championship calculations in abeyance until Brian Chapman returns as we cannot get his programs to function correctly.

Our next sailing day is Thursday 12 September, and will be a scratch racing event.

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