Seventeen DAC Sailors came along for our Scratch Racing today.

After a couple of quite hot days, the Wednesday evening Southerly change brought a cooler day, but unfortunately a wind from the South South East. This ranged from 12 to 17 with gusts up to 43 Km/Hr, (7 to 9, gusting to 22 Knots).

We set courses each side of the Clubhouse with neither giving a good steady breeze. There were many wind shadows which tested us all as we tried the West side and then the East.

“C” sails were the main choice. A few “D” ‘s came out for a while.

It was a day needing many rescues. Many thanks to Stephen Deane who attended quite a few.

Reading the conditions for a start was a challenge. One could be on the line, trying to stop, or quite short and trying to move. Once underway, there were many position changes as we chanced a lay line to the first mark.

Several Sailors would correctly choose a good line and were rewarded with a nice spot to commence the downwind leg. They were then able to hold it through the course to the finish.

The conditions were similar once we moved to the East side. Chancing a short cut up the middle was fraught with danger as those who chose the far side had success.

Graham Brown started well. With a good eye for a clear path after the start, Graham was able to be well placed by the first mark on most occasions and to continue successfully to the finish. Graham won the first 3 races and placed second in the next 3, scoring 9 points to win the day. Phil Stevenson was the lone challenger in a tricky day’s racing, taking 3 firsts and 2 places. Phil had some great starts and led by large distances for his wins, scoring 12 points and second place overall. Karen Paterson sailed consistently well all day. Karen had 3 places and all high finishes to earn third place. Bruce Paterson was close behind with a couple of places, and again, all high finishes.

After the top 4, the scoring was fairly close with only a couple of points being the difference. Places went well down the page with wins to Martin Thearle and Stephen Deane, (Stephen’s boat was part sailed by son-in-law Scott, not sure who claims the win).

Race winners were Graham Brown 3, Phil Stevenson 3 , Martin Thearle 1 and Stephen Deane 1.

Graham Brown took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 9 points.

Phil Stevenson finished in 2nd place on 12 points.

Karen Paterson finished in 3rd place with 24 points.

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

Our next Sail day is Thursday 28^th September for a Scratch Event.

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