A great turnout for today’s scratch racing with 17 DAC Sailors attending.

The conditions were described as “hideous” by one and that was pretty close to the mark.

There was a heavy overcast but with dry conditions and a temperature of 23^oC. The wind was from the South and ranged from 20 to 32 with gusts up to 59 Km/Hr., (11 to 17, gusts to 31 Knots). This direction generally gives us smooth waters and a very high tide was an asset.

Although a few C sails started the day, all chose D’s after a short while.

The D sails are great when the gusts hit but they struggle in the lulls.

Our main test was choosing when to tack. Sometimes a gybe was a better choice

The points scored weren’t that far apart for a scratch day. Once again every point counts.

Our Champion for the day was Martin Thearle on 12 points. Martin read the conditions well to earn 3 firsts and 2 second places. Stephen Deane was close behind scoring 15 points. Two firsts and 3 places and a 4^th secured second for the day. Robin Tickner continued his recent success with a first and 3 places to complete the top three positions.

There was a gap to those following with Lew Verdon leading the charge. Lew won race 8. Phil Stevenson was a little off the boil but still had 4 places. Lew, Phil and Noel McPherson were the main contenders for top honours with Noel winning race 7.

The top 6 sailors won all the races and took all the places.

We followers had some good sailing and to take a finish in the front half of the Fleet was a good effort on quite a difficult day.

Race winners were Martin Thearle 3, Stephen Deane 2, Robin Tickner 1, Lew Verdon 1 and Noel McPherson 1.

Martin Thearle took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 12 points.

Stephen Deane finished in 2nd place on 15 points.

Robin Tickner finished in 3rd place with 18 points.

The Club Championship now has Martin Thearle in front from Robin Tickner and Stephen Deane.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 29^th January for a Scratch Event.

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