We had eighteen DAC Sailors for yesterday’s, once again, popular Handicap racing day.

The forecast and actual conditions were for a gentle Westerly at 4 to 10 Km/Hr., with a few gusts up to 17, (2 to 6 Knots, gusts to 9).

We chose A sails for the day, a great idea as there were several lulls around the start line. We delayed some starts as there was just no wind for a few minutes. It was a cool start at 13^oC but nicely rose to 18^oC by the close of play.

Once again the late afternoon glare caused some troubles at the windward marks. It was hard to tell what went on up there at times but we all seemed to round the marks in some manner or other.

There are always some thankyous for the day. Well done to Trevor Bowden, again. Geoff Lucas was the recipient as he needed some assistance with launching and retrievals.

We’ve been trying some various handicapping Apps/Programs to speed up our scoring. Sadly we had to revert to paper as my Surface touch screen didn’t like cold fingers, back to the drawing board! As a result, sorry no photos as my hands were quite full.

And now to the racing.

Our newest Sailor Rob Widders got off to a great start. Rob placed 2^nd in race 1 and won race 2 by a fair margin. He came back down to Earth after that as we all settled in to the conditions.

The day’s winner was Brian Chapman, scoring 25 points with a win in race 3. Martin Thearle took second place on the scoresheet with 30 points and all his finishes in the front half. Narelle Derwent revelled in the handicap format. Narelle scored 31 points with a win in race 4 and 2 places. “It’s nice to have some clear space around you”.

Many boats with mid-range handicaps sailed particularly well and scored into the higher places. Stephen Deane, Richard Thorpe, Noel McPherson and Judy Evans had some great battles. Similar handicaps made for scratch racing conditions.

Robin Tickner and Trevor Bowden tied for 8^th place, Robin’s win in race 5 settled the countback. Tim Alexander and Rob Widders enjoyed favourable start times but were challenged by Graham Brown who again charged through the fleet from way back.

Places went well down the page with Lew Verdon, almost, and Paula Reilly grabbing 3^rd in race 4. John Hickey has sailed quite well in recent scratch days but just couldn’t wend his way through for better results. Rob Lowndes, John Porter and Geoff Lucas all sailed well below their normal standards, but sadly, some have to complete the scoresheet.

Race winners were, Brian Chapman 1, Narelle Derwent 1, Stephen Deane 1, Judy Evans 1, Robin Tickner 1, Rob Widders 1 and Graham Brown 1.

Brian Chapman took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 25 points.

Martin Thearle finished in 2nd place on 30 points.

Narelle Derwent finished in 3rd place with 31 points.

The Club Championship now has Martin Thearle in front from Phil Stevenson and Noel McPherson.

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

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