Fifteen DAC Sailors came along for a sail today.

We cancelled last week due extreme wind speeds, 69 Km/Hr (actual) in the next bay.

The forecast for today was pretty close to the mark with a wind SSE at 4 up to 15 Km/Hr., (2 to 8 Knots) and a temperature in the mid-twenties.

Phil Stevenson assumed the role of Course-Master and set two courses, one East and one West. Each were used and no adjustments were required. Well done Phil, and thank you.

“B” sails were chosen, a “C” was unsuccessful and quickly replaced.

The breeze was a fickle one and we had to contend with some wind shading from our Clubhouse on both courses. SSE is not our preference.

A valid comment was “ there is quite a bit of luck involved with this breeze”. The scoresheet however tells the true story as our “hot” Sailors again rose to the fore.

Congratulations to Robin Tickner who won the day. Robin earned 2 firsts and 2 second places to score 19 points. Hot on Robin’s heels was Phil Stevenson who also nabbed 2 firsts and a second place to also reach 19 points. The countback reared its head to give Phil second place for the day. Noel McPherson with 4 places scored 20 points and third place, completing a tight group on the podium. Graham Brown and Brendan Hones featured well in the front group all day with many high finishes between them, (Graham, a win in race 6). The top 6 places were only a point or two apart which included two countbacks and three overall.

The lead changed many times in most races and quite often the last legs to the finished sorted out the places. There was much musing approaching the windward mark as the breeze gently swung in all directions, boats pointing in the same direction were often on opposite tacks. A Race Officers nightmare if they were to contact!

Race winners were Robin Tickner 2, Phil Stevenson 2, Philip Hetherington 2 and Graham Brown 1.

Robin Tickner took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 19 points.

Phil Stevenson finished in 2nd place on 19 points, resolved by a countback

Noel McPherson finished in 3rd place with 20 points.

The Club Championship now has Noel McPherson in front from Graham Brown and Robin Tickner.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 6^th February for a Handicap Event.

There is a “filming event” at the Club next week, requiring the Deck area, so no sailing.

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