Twelve DAC Sailors attended our monthly Handicap sail yesterday.

The weather turned out to be better than expected.

The forecast of 30 Knots and showers didn’t eventuate and we enjoyed an Easterly at 9 which peaked at 34 Km/Hr., (5 to 18 Knots). It remained dry and reached 27^oC.

Sail choice varied with “C” ‘s being the most popular. The course was laid to the Eastern side and worked out well.

There were some very light patches of wind around the downwind gate. Reading which mark to round for a tack to the finish line saw many position changes.

On reading and completing the scoresheet, it looked as though Bruce Paterson was going to win the day with 3 firsts. As the sheet developed, Mr Consistency Stephen Deane came to the fore. Stephen’s sole first was backed up with 2 places  and all finishes at 5 or better. He scored 19 points to be declared Champion. Bruce was always a strong contender and almost made it with a win in race 8. Bruce came second with 20 points. Rob Lowndes starting handicap was about mid-range at 45 seconds and his 4 places scored 23 points to come third after a countback.

There were a core of boats with handicaps around 45 seconds, it became a scratch racing start on several occasions with many boats finishing within seconds of each other.

The points scored indicate that the handicaps are pretty close to the mark. There was a gentle spread down the page with three separate countbacks involving 7 boats. Countbacks resolved 3^rd and 4^th, 5^th 6^th and 7^th, 8^th and 9^th.

Race winners were Stephen Deane 1, Bruce Paterson 3, Graham Brown 1, Karen Paterson 1, Robin Tickner 1 and Narelle Derwent 1.

Stephen Deane took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 19 points.

Bruce Paterson finished in 2nd place on 20 points.

Rob Lowndes finished in 3rd place with 23 points, settled by a countback.

The Club Championship now has Graham Brown in front from Noel McPherson and Robin Tickner.

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

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