DAC Results, Scratch Racing, Thu 16th November 2023

Fourteen DAC Sailors attended yesterday for a Scratch sailing day.

The forecast was similar to last week’s and the result was the same. And it stayed dry!

A bonus was a full tide and although a little cloudy, the water had that blue/green Summer look about it.

A Nor’Easter developed at 18 up to 31 Km/Hr (10 to 16 Knots). This eased off towards the end of sailing and veered to the South East.

“B” sails started the day. “C” ‘s came out about mid term with a couple of  “D” ‘s also being drawn from the wardrobe.

The Course was able to be set in front of the Deck for most races. We swung it around for a late change for the Sou’Easter. This, plus only a couple of rescues gave us plenty of time to complete 10 Races.

Phil Stevenson set a cracking pace with 2 firsts and 5 places. Phil won the day comfortably with a score of 20 points. Stephen Deane spends a lot of time in the leading group and scored well with 2 firsts and 3 places. Stephen came home in second place with 30 points. Rob Lowndes also won 2 races and his accompanying 2 places put him in third place for the day. Rob’s score of 34 points led the following boats by few points as the competition was keen and the racing close. A couple of countbacks resolved the final positions.

Noel McPherson again mastered his “B” sail to win a race in the strengthening breeze. Two places with his win gave Noel fourth after a countback.

Wins and places were spread a fair way down the page. The closeness of the racing needed Race Officers to scrutinise our behaviour after a few races.

High finishes were earned by Robin Tickner (a win), Peter Close (a win), Judy Evans, Martin Thearle (a win), Philip Hetherington and Terry Hey.

Race winners were Phil Stevenson 2, Stephen Deane 2, Rob Lowndes 2, Noel McPherson 1, Robin Tickner 1, Peter Close 1 and Martin Thearle 1.

Phil Stevenson took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 20 points.

Stephen Deane finished in 2nd place on 30 points.

Rob Lowndes finished in 3rd place with 34 points, settled by a countback.

The Club Championship now has Graham Brown in front from Noel McPherson and Phil Stevenson.

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