Sixteen DAC Sailors came along yesterday despite the forecast of cool temperatures and a good chance of showers.

There was a brisk Southerly breeze which called for C sails with a late possibility of D’s towards the end of racing.

We set a shortish West course which was best for the wind but was further out with the receding tide.

The temperature struggled to 17^oC and the wind ranged from 15 up to 39 Km/Hr in gusts, (8 to 21 Knots).

And it stayed dry, we are fortunate again! We all chose C sails for the day.

Race Officer and Scorer was Mick Costa, thanks again Mick. It is such an advantage having Mick volunteering.

Without him there would normally be a race for the winner to find the scoreboard. The first few boats would be missed and boats would be sailing anywhere, and everywhere.

Everyone helped a great deal yesterday. Although there were a few rescues we managed 12 races, a great effort with the sky starting to spit as we put the tender away.

Graham Brown was back to his best in testy conditions. Graham won 4 races and scored 26 points to win the day by a handsome margin. Spending a lot of time on the podium in recent times was Martin Thearle in second spot. Martin won three races to be the main contender for top honours, scoring 33 points. Lew Verdon had a good day on the water to secure third position. Lew had 5 places, so close to a few wins and scored 50 points.

Bruce Paterson had some gear issues early but got well into his straps to win race 8 and have 6 very good finishes including 2 places. Next was Richard Thorpe with 9 high finishes. Richard scored equal points to Bruce and was pipped by the dreaded countback.

Peter Hirschl and Rob Widders spent a lot of time ashore with gear and tuning issues.

The points were fairly close together for many of the following Sailors.

Overall it was fairly hard work. Our C sails contended with many nose dives downwind, but it was not quite right for a D sail.

Race winners were, Graham Brown 4, Martin Thearle 3, Bruce Paterson 1, Judy Evans 1, Trevor Bowden 2 and Noel McPherson 1.

Graham Brown took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 26 points.

Martin Thearle finished in 2nd place on 33 points.

Lew Verdon finished in 3rd place with 50 points.

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

Our next Sail day is Thursday 23^rd July for a Scratch Event.

---