Another great turnout despite a dodgy forecast. Seventeen DAC Sailors came along for our Handicap Race day.

Unfortunately, Bruce Paterson , #318 had to scratch before the start with electrical issues, so sixteen it was.

The temperature was quite pleasant and sat around the mid to high twenties for our sailing, and it stayed dry. The wind was testy and hovered around the South to South East. The windspeed ranged from 14 to 20 Km/Hr. with gusts up to 38 at one stage, (8 to 11 Knots, gusts to 20).

A few “B” sails sampled the early breeze. They were short lived as “C” ’s and a few ”D” ‘s were the choice for the racing.

The set course did the job but a few boat tangles needed some marks to be repositioned. A low tide caused some grief but we still managed 9 Races, well done to all.

The day’s racing was won by Team Paterson. With Bruce’s #318 sidelined, Karen’s boat #322 was shared by both Karen and Bruce, each alternating between sailing and scoring. Not sure who was at the helm for the win or places but a great effort to earn the cup. Karen and Bruce scored 31 points.

A little undecided beforehand, Narelle Derwent chose to come and sail and claimed second place with 33 points. A win and place and all finishes in the top half, good consistent sailing. The top three Sailors were a fair bit ahead of the rest with Stephen Deane scoring 34 points and taking third place on the podium. Three places and mostly high finishes secured Stephen’s position.

Peter Burton had time to prepare mentally for the sail with a long drive to join us. Peter suffered a fairly meaty handicap to start the day (based on his previous prowess), but still managed 2 places and all finishes in the top group to lead the remaining Sailors. Phil Stevenson and Graham Brown both have a knack on Handicap days of sailing through the Fleet although they start well behind. Some of our newer Sailors performed very well. Richard Thorpe won Race 8 with John Porter taking Races 3 and 4. Paula Reilly had a mixed bag of results but her 2 wins was a great effort.

The Handicaps must be close to the mark as close scores and closer finishes were shown in the day’s results.

Many thanks again to Bruce and Karen Paterson for their scoring as the many close finishes were not easy to call.

Race winners were Karen Paterson 1, Narelle Derwent 1, Richard Thorpe 1, John Porter 2, Judy Evans 1,  Brian Chapman 1 and Paula Reilly 2.

Karen Paterson took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 31 points.

Narelle Derwent finished in 2nd place on 33 points.

Stephen Deane finished in 3rd place with 34 points.

The Club Championship now has Judy Evans in front from Graham Brown and Phil Stevenson.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 14^th March for a Scratch Event.

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