DAC Results, Scratch Racing, Thu 22nd October 2026
Twenty DAC Sailors came along for our Scratch racing event yesterday, highest for some time.
The weather was pretty much as forecast with an East to North East breeze at 30 with gusts to 53 Km/Hr., (16 Knots to 29 Knots). The temperature hovered around 22oC.
No choice was needed so we all wore D sails.
Thanks again to Mick Costa as Race Officer and Scorer. Thank you also to Ron Garner who retrieved the marks after our racing.
Our course was set for a large fleet with a start near the downwind marks, two laps and finish in front of the Deck. The long work to windward was meant to spread us out a bit. Many are sailing so well that the congestion at the up top was still present.
Our racing got underway on fairly smooth waters. A swell developed which ended up as 12”+ waves (30mm), a real test for D sails.
The Sailor who mastered these conditions was Graham Brown. He scored 14 points with his 3 firsts, 4 seconds and a mere 3rd place. Graham doesn’t normally start with the front group but manages to work his way forward for top finishes. Rob Lowndes had a great day on the water and had a good contest with Stephen Deane. Each had 3 wins and a number of places to complete the podium, Rob coming second and Stephen settling for third place by one point.
John Hickey is one of our newer members and took the last available win for 27 points. There was a moderate gap to the following sailors with Martin Thearle, Lew Verdon, Robin Tickner and Noel McPherson, each taking a place or two. There were two countbacks with Karen Paterson and Trevor Bowden sharing points, also Phil Stevenson and Tim Alexander.
There were quite a few “oops, sorry” heard during the day. We didn’t all judge clearing gaps that well and many suffered as a result. D sails do need some adjustment to our tactics on the water. It’s always best to accept that it is not intentional, accept the apology and sail on. After all, we are here for some competitive recreation and “sheep stations” are not involved.
Race winners were Graham Brown 3, Rob Lowndes 3, Stephen Deane 3 and John Hickey 1.
Graham Brown, took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 14 points.
Rob Lowndes finished in 2nd place on 20 points.
Stephen Deane finished in 3rd place with 21 points.
The Club Championship now has Martin Thearle in front from Graham Brown and Noel McPherson.
Our next Sail day is Thursday 29th October for a Scratch Event.