Another good day yesterday. Sixteen DAC Sailors came along for our last Race day of the year.

The Weatherman gave us an early present, a steady Nor’Easter on smooth waters.

The forecast cloudy day became a heavy overcast with a couple of raindrops at one stage, no bother there.

The wind was 15 Km/Hr with the occasional gust to 27, (8 to 14 Knots).

“C” sails were the popular choice although a “B” or two had a short test.

The day went surprisingly well, again with a large Fleet. We started on time, there were no rescues required and the Course needed no adjusting.

We paused after Race 6 to enjoy some Christmas cheer, thank you to all who brought some snacks.

Noel McPherson, our Class Captain nicely summarised our past year and the recovery from the previous disruptions. Many new Members have joined us, either with new boats or recycling some from past Members.

We congratulated Peter Close who was our Club Champion for 2021.

Now taking the prime position is Graham Brown, congratulations to Graham, our Club Champion for 2022.

Congratulations also to Phil Stevenson in second place and to Robin Tickner in third place.

The old guard dominated the scoresheet with Graham Brown comfortably winning the day. Five wins and a second place gave Graham 16 points.

Phil Stevenson had a win and many places, 23 points had Phil in a secure second place. Terry Hey, a relative newcomer is consistently moving up the sheet with 2 wins and 2 places. Terry spends a lot of time in the front group these days and it’s not surprising to hear #339 crossing the finish line first. The points were spread a bit for the following Sailors. Noel McPherson had a good win and quite a few high finishes. Robin Tickner with 2 seconds and a third just couldn’t quite hit the front but seemed to have had a good day on the water. The next four boats were only separated by 2 points. Peter Close, Judy Evans, Karen Paterson and myself did cross tacks many times during the day, with a countback settling the final positions. Rob Lowndes had a late start but quickly moved to the front of the Fleet and finished with a second and third. Barry McCarthy and I had many close tussles, as we do, but they are always settled with a handshake at the end of the day. Bruce Paterson was scoring nicely until his mainsheet came adrift. Lauri Watson had some finishes towards the middle, it’s unusual to not see him further ahead. We can all have off days.

Our newer Sailors, John Porter, Richard Thorpe and Peter Finlay are getting used to the ropes. I recall my early days when my challenge was to complete the Course. These Gents are well on the way to better things.

Race winners were Graham Brown 5, Phil Stevenson 2, Terry Hey 2, and Noel McPherson 1.

Graham Brown took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 16 points.

Phil Stevenson finished in 2nd place on 23 points.

Terry Hey finished in 3rd place with 28 points.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 5^th January 2023 for a planned Handicap Event.

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