Another record number of Sailors yesterday, nineteen in fact, started the day.

A revised wind forecast in the morning was predicting Southeast at 35 gusting to a maximum of 64 Km/Hr, (18-35 Knots).

Fortunately, that didn’t occur and we had a Southerly at 15-20, gusting to 37 Km/Hr (8-11 Knots, gusts to 19) by the end of Racing.

We mostly chose “C” sails although a few “D” ‘s appeared towards the finish. A full tide gave us a Course to the West side and not to far away from the Deck.

With this tide we are able to launch our boats from the Deck which is also a bonus and does save quite a bit of time.

The large Fleet required Race Officers, thank you again to those chosen on the day. It all contributes to a good day’s Racing.

A side bonus, in particular for our newer Sailors is observing others managing their sailing of the course.

And now to the Racing.

Graham Brown assumed the front running. Graham managed 5 wins but had to work well for his first place. Peter Close and Robin Tickner were always nearby with Peter grabbing 3 wins and all high finishes. Robin finished 1 point behind to take 3^rd place, he had a win and 5 places. Noel McPherson and Stephen Deane were the only others in a position to challenge the leaders. Noel and Stephen took most of the remaining places, Stephen also with a first. Ian Spencer had a good day on the water, Ian had a second and 2 thirds and led the following groups. Phillip Hetherington was the only one of the followers to snare a place, a second in Race 3.

Once again, to score well in a large Fleet requires good sailing. Phillip Hetherington, Richard Thorpe, Karen Paterson, Lauri Watson and Judy Evans each had a finish or two in the top half.

It was a challenging and enjoyable day’s Racing.

Race winners were Graham Brown 5, Peter Close 3, Robin Tickner 1 and Stephen Deane 1.

Graham Brown took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 15 points.

Peter Close finished in 2nd place on 22 points.

Robin Tickner finished in 3rd place with 23 points.

The Club Championship now has Graham Brown in front from Phil Stevenson and Robin Tickner.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 22^nd December for a Scratch Event.

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