Another fine Summer’s day.

We had 14 DAC Sailors and 4 visitors to enjoy our final day’s racing for 2024.

The forecast was close to the mark with a Sou’South Easterly at 12 to 31 Km/Hr., (7 to 16 Knots). The temperature hovered around the mid 20’s.

The racing got underway on time with 8 races completed by 2pm, must be a record!

“C” sails were it for the day.

Our thanks to Mick Costa who volunteered as Race Officer and Jill Brown who once again scored for us.

John Porter came with camera and video gear to record the day’s proceedings. Thanks John.

John has produced a Year Book which covers our racing for 2024. Included are Race Reports, results, photos and statistics relevant to our sailing. This will be circulated as a PDF file when finalised.

It was good also to see Steve Crewes, who joined us for our Christmas celebrations.

We paused at 2pm for refreshments and a review of our year.

Thank you to everyone for the supplies. We enjoyed a fine spread of Christmas munchies, did someone say champagne?

In 2024, we completed 50 race days which included 12 Handicap days, and the State Titles. Weather did not deter us!

Our books show 29 Sailors with new RC Laser Sailors, Ken Woodward, Tom Dwan, Trevor Bowden and DAC Treasurer Mick Costa. Mick celebrates 50 years with Dobroyd this year. He received a  deserving a warm round of applause.

During the year, Noel McPherson was accepted as a Life Member of Dobroyd Aquatic Club, an acknowledgment of his remarkable contribution to our RC Laser sailing.

DAC hosted the NSW Titles for 2024. The State Champion for 2024 is Phil Stevenson, runner-up Graham Brown and third place is Peter Burton.

We announced our Dobroyd Aquatic Club, RC Laser Club Champion for 2024 as Graham Brown.

Runner-up is Phil Stevenson and third place is Martin Thearle.

Early contenders for the Championship were Robin Tickner, Noel McPherson, Judy Evans and Stephen Deane. Graham cemented his lead by early November and held it to the last race.

The Paul Derwent Memorial Trophy was presented to Graham who is also the current Trophy holder. Narelle Derwent was unable to attend but passed on her family’s congratulations to Graham.

The Scratch Champion is Graham Brown with runner-up Phil Stevenson and third place Martin Thearle.

The Handicap Champion is Martin Thearle with runner-up Phil Stevenson and Judy Evans in third place.

Our program for 2025 includes the NSW Titles and National Titles, both to be held at Dobroyd Aquatic Club. The dates are to be confirmed but will be around August/September.

Our racing continued, we had entered a relaxed state after the break.

Throughout the day, the wind was quite variable with quiet patches around the Port start mark. The starts were busy with attempted Port starters having a little difficulty with those on Starboard.

It was a well contested day. Graham Brown managed to avoid the traffic and win 6 races and take 2 second places. Graham scored 10 points. Phil Stevenson again sailed well and won 3 races and 2 places. Judy Evans came home in third place. Judy had 4 places and no finishes lower than 5^th, a great effort in a top class field.

Finishing places remained in the top half of the scoresheet. Robin Tickner, Brendan Hones (a win) and Philip Hetherington featured.

Race winners were Graham Brown 6, Phil Stevenson 3 and Brendan Hones 1.

Graham Brown took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 10 points.

Phil Stevenson finished in 2nd place on 23 points.

Judy Evans finished in 3rd place with 27 points.

I thank you all for your camaraderie. This makes us a great Club.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 9^th January 2025 for a Scratch Event.

Best wishes to all for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2025!

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