Seventeen DAC Sailors came along yesterday for our ever popular Handicap Event.

We enjoyed clear conditions with temperatures once again in the mid 20’s. The wind though, was a different story. The forecast light Southeasterly never arrived and we were left with something from the West ranging from 0 to 4 with one or two gentle gusts up to 13 Km/Hr., (0-2 gusts to 7 Knots).

“A” sails were the only ones to come out of the lockers.

The large Fleet required Race Officers, we thank those who accepted the appointments.

As Easter approached, we were treated with Easter eggs for all. Thank you to Judy Evans, always thoughtful and much appreciated.

The day was one for the light weather specialists. Although a Handicap day, making and crossing the start line was a challenge and to do this at your Handicap time was even greater. On quite a few occasions the actual Handicaps were irrelevant as were struggled to make headway.

We managed 5 Races with only one cancelled due to lack of wind.

Bruce Hilliard returned after a break and made the best of the conditions. Bruce started on a modest Handicap and top scored to win the day. Reading the water was a must and Bruce mastered this to take 2 wins and a second place. I had a good day and with my “A” sail drawing nicely and was able to keep Bruce in sight, but that’s all. Peter Close always has the knack of finding a zephyr if there is one and yesterday won Race 4. All high finishes gave Peter third place. Bruce Paterson lead the remaining boats and there were many. Bruce did spend time anchored to the windward mark but recovered well to have all his finishes in the front half. Judy Evans closely followed Bruce with high places as the positions compressed for the next group of Sailors. Karen Paterson and I had a well competed match race in No. 5. The lead alternated many times with Karen taking the honours for the win.

The high Handicappers suffered in the conditions. Philip Hetherington, Noel McPherson, Graham Brown and Rob Lowndes seemed to start in different weather patterns to the rest of us. Lulls at the wrong time gave them little chance.

Race winners were Bruce Hilliard 2, Brian Chapman 1, Peter Close 1 and Karen Paterson 1.

Bruce Hilliard took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 9 points.

Brian Chapman finished in 2nd place on 12 points.

Peter Close finished in 3rd place also with 15 points.

The Club Championship now has Noel McPherson in front from Graham Brown and Philip Hetherington.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 13^th April 2023 for a Scratch Event.

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