Fifteen DAC Sailors came along for a sail yesterday. Despite the weather forecast being a somewhat adverse, it was a great turnout for a good day’s sailing.

After an early morning shower (before sunrise), it was mostly dry with a very light misty spotting around 1:30pm.

The actual wind ranged around 9 with gusts to 22 Km/Hr. (5 to 12 Knots), generally from the South.

Smooth waters are always an aid under these conditions, and we needed them. A low tide required a Course a little further out than normal.

We persevered with ”A” sails and they were certainly needed in the quiet patches. One or two “B” ‘s appeared for a while but they suffered and were short-lived.

We welcome Ron Garner to our Fleet. Ron’s sailing number is yet to be determined. We used #370 for his boat for the day. Ron settled in well and finished in the front half several times.

Graham Brown scored 4 wins to earn top place for the day. Brendan Hones and Robin Tickner weren’t that far behind, only a few points difference there. Brendan was always in the thick of it and after a good start, finished in a blaze of glory with 2 wins and 3 places. Robin Tickner completed the top three, his win in Race 4 with 5 places secured third overall on 24 points.

There was a moderate gap to the following boats. Leading boat there was Rob Lowndes, 2 wins and several high finishes was a good effort on the day. Philip Hetherington, 3 points behind, and Rob made up the top five.

Places were mostly taken by the top group too, with only a few going down the list. Bruce Hilliard, Peter Close, Judy Evans and Geoff Lucas grabbed those with Martin Thearle winning Race 7.

Many thanks to Phil Stevenson. Radio/Electronics problems prevented Phil from sailing but he quickly offered to act as Scorer and Race Officer for the day.

Race winners were Graham Brown 4, Brendan Hones 2, Robin Tickner 1, Rob Lowndes 2 and Martin Thearle 1.

Graham Brown took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 19.5 points.

Brendan Hones finished in 2nd place on 22 points.

Robin Tickner finished in 3rd place also with 24 points.

The Club Championship now has Graham Brown in front from Noel McPherson and Philip Hetherington.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 27^th April for a Scratch Event.

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