DAC Results, Handicap Racing, Thu 8th January 2026
Perfect weather to start our 2026 Season. The forecast was true to form with the anticipated Nor’Easter, and on a high tide!.
Fifteen Sailors came along for our Handicap racing.
Good to see Peter Close back for some sailing with his DF95. Graham Brown also DF’d yesterday, we had 3 DF95’s in all getting some practice for their Championships in March.
Graham’s scores don’t truly reflect as the DF’s occasionally started a minute later, his number #87 gets him on board for the year.
Also nice to see our past DAC Sailor, Ian Spencer back on deck for a visit.
The Coastal temperature nudged 40oC but the early Nor’Easter appeared and we enjoyed a maximum 31oC during sailing.
The wind speed ranged from 14 to 18 Km/Hr., with some gusts up to 29, (8 to 10 Knots, gusts to 15.)
A few B sails started the day but C’s were it for the majority.
The Handicapping continued from last year and as expected we had many close finishes.
John Porter always saves his best for handicap days and yesterday he scored 19 points for an easy win. John’s 3 firsts and a place did the job well. Lew Verdon, just 2 points behind with his first and 3 places locked in second place on the podium. Richard Thorpe and Martin Thearle both scored 23 points to battle for 3rd. Richard’s win in race 1 gave him the edge on a countback.
Stephen Deane, despite a hefty handicap scored all his finishes at 6 or better. The following positions were separated by only a point or 2 and led by Rob Lowndes with 2 places. Judy Evans and Robin Tickner shared 30 points with Judy’s wins in races 3 and 5 grabbing her the lead after a countback. Noel McPherson won race 6, a pretty good effort with his moderate handicap. Geoff Lucas, although not to his best, still managed some front half finishes.
Commiserations for Peter Hirschl as several electrical and receiver issues kept him from the water. We’ll work on these to get him afloat again.
Race winners were John Porter 3, Lew Verdon 1, Richard Thorpe 1, Judy Evans 2, Noel McPherson 1 and Brian Chapman 1 (Tie).
John Porter took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 19 points.
Lew Verdon finished in 2nd place on 21 points.
Richard Thorpe finished in 3rd place with 23 points.
The Club Championship now has John Porter in front from Lew Verdon and Richard Thorpe.
Our next Sail day is Thursday 15th January for a Scratch Event.