Sixteen DAC Sailors braved the overcast conditions yesterday for some Scratch racing.

As forecast, there was the occasional shower but mostly before and after racing. The temperature hovered around 23^oC.

We had a Southerly which ranged from 11 to 24 Km/Hr., with gusts to 47 for the last race, (6 to 13, gusts to 25 Knots).

All sails had a run. Some A’s for the practice race with a steady change through to D’s by the end.

There was quite a low tide which resulted in a course set to the West and a moderate distance out.

And with the above, we sailed 9 races to test all our abilities.

Robin Tickner dominated the day with his 3 firsts and 4 places to score 13 points. Robin dropped a 3^rd and a 4^th to complete a very consistent Champion’s day. Martin Thearle was his closest challenger with his 3 firsts and all scores at 5 or better. Martin scored 18 points for second place. Phil Stevenson was unable to take a first but his 5 places gave him 23 points and locked in third place for the day.

Judy Evans had 2 wins by comfortable margins to lead the remainder of the fleet. Noel McPherson had a good win in race 2 with the following field starting to separate.

All places were taken by the first half of the fleet but there was some very close scoring after that. Six boats were involved in two countbacks to resolve positions 8 through to 13.

It was a large number of boats and with the testy conditions all did well to come through with some good sailing. Those who broke into the front half at some stage were Lew Verdon, Brian Chapman, Geoff Lucas, Richard Thorpe, Peter Hirschl (a 4^th), Rob Lowndes, Bruce Paterson, Karen Paterson and Trevor Bowden. John Porter and I had some very competitive sailing with John taking the guernsey on each occasion.

Race winners were Robin Tickner 3, Martin Thearle 3, Judy Evans 2 and Noel McPherson 1.

Robin Tickner took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 13 points.

Martin Thearle finished in 2nd place on 18 points.

Phil Stevenson finished in 3rd place with 23 points.

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

Our next Sail day is Thursday 19^th February for a Scratch Event. 

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