Fifteen DAC Sailors came along for our regular Thursday racing today.

The forecast conditions were replicated on the course. There was a moderate overcast with a temperature in the low 20’s.

The wind started from the NNW at a gentle 5 or so Km/Hr. A Nor’Easter gradually developed, reaching 18 with a peak gust of 26 Km/Hr, (10 up to 14 Knots).

The choice of sails started with an obvious “A”, with “B” ‘s appearing as the wind increased. A “C” sail took to the water for race 7, me!

We started pretty close to our schedule, thank you to everyone who made this possible. We had some delays with a significant course change needed as we prepared for race 1. Towards the end, a potential rescue was needed for the tender. Some fuel issues were sorted out and Brendan Hones was saved from paddling back. Thanks Brendan for your help there, and for the scoring.

Noel McPherson and I had a note from Ian Spencer, #316, during the week. Ian would be our most senior Member and a thorough gentleman, both on the Deck and sailing the course. Ian has decided to retire from our regular sailing and hang up his transmitter. Ian had quite a few successes over his four years with us. Ian had several wins and many places, both on Scratch and Handicap days. Noel offered Ian any gear he might need if he felt like the odd sail, for old time’s sake, he would always be most welcome.

We all wish Ian well.

The racing was very close today. I was quite surprised as I completed the scoresheet for this report. My choice of a “C” sail for race 7 worked out well. The wind picked up considerably as the start timer counted down. No firsts, but mostly high finishes gave me 26 points for first place. Bruce Hilliard missed the first two races, but as always, came home strongly with 2 wins and 2 places to score second overall. Bruce scored 28 points. Noel McPherson looks to have shaken off the last of his jet-lag, winning 2 races and taking 2 places to score 29 points and third place for the day. Another high scorer, Philip Hetherington won races 1 and 4 and scored an equal 29 points to suffer a countback and come home in fourth place.

Eleven points only between the first eight boats saw many positions decided by just one race. Places went well down the page with close finishes in quite a few races.

Race winners were Bruce Hilliard 2, Noel McPherson 2, Philip Hetherington 2 and Stephen Deane 1.

Brian Chapman took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 26 points.

Bruce Hilliard finished in 2nd place on 28 points.

Noel McPherson finished in 3rd place with 29 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 26^th October for a Scratch Event.

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