We were not sure what to expect having had a forecast with northerly winds – rather unusual; so we arrive with a dying breeze out of the west, then the water glassing out… not a good start for sailing.

However our patience was rewarded, with a nice breeze out of the north kicking in and settling for the start of the racing.

Graham Brown set an interesting course to the east of the pontoon, straight out into the bay, with the start line and the bottom marks opposite the pontoon.  There was not a problem with seeing those marks!  Downwind finishes were something a little different as well.

The wind settled to something over 6 knots, with gusts up to 15 knots, which was enough for some of the boats to start their precarious weave downwind after nose diving.

The wind was moving around with the usual holes as well, so it was interesting to see which side of the course faired best.  

The work up to the first mark was long, so it separated a lot of the boats, but the usual chaos at the top mark occurred, unfortunately.

16 sailors arrived to do battle with the elements and each other. 

We welcomed back Geoff Lucas from another session in hospital, and Bruce Hilliard from our deep past to again join us on the water.

B sails were the norm for the day, with one or two C sails in the mix.  The wind was nearly at the point for change, but most stayed with the bigger sail.

There were a number of rescues, hookups and groundings but we still managed to get in 11 races – a credit to you all.

I think we all had hard luck stories of “happenings” at or near the top mark, but it is amazing how despite their setbacks, the top sailors still consistently come back and come out on top at day’s end.

Race winners were, Phil Stevenson 3, Graham Brown 3, Martin Thearle 2, Stephen Deane 1, Noel McPherson 1 and Philip Hetherington 1.

Phil Stevenson took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 18 points.

Graham Brown finished in 2nd place on 32 points.

Martin Thearle finished in 3rd place with 40 points.

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

Our next Sail day is Thursday 25^th June for a Scratch Event.

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