Fifteen Sailors came along for our Scratch racing today.

We chose to start half an hour earlier to try and avoid the afternoon sun glare, it almost worked!

Clear skies and a Westerly were forecast, we got that and had to cop it. It was nice to have a breeze and it ranged from 10 to 22 Km/Hr., with gusts up to 44, (6 to 12 Knots, gusts to 24).

The temperature sat at 19^oC, we chose B sails and then C’s towards the end of racing.

Continuing thanks to Mick Costa, our Scorer and Race Officer, even though he called me for a blatant over early start.

It was a good day’s racing with good winds and almost smooth waters. A longish windward leg gave us a good chance to just sail, and match race with those near us. The top mark was a challenge as the Sun dropped lower in the West, photo 2 tells the story there.

We welcome our newest Sailor, recently retired John Hickey. John is sailing our spare boat #214 as his newie from Cliff is being arranged.

John fitted in well with 3 thirds and a 4^th to open his account with us.

There was a great battle for the day’s honours between Phil Stevenson and Graham Brown. They both took most of the wins and places with Graham’s 4^th in race 1 being the decider. Phil won the day with a score of 14 points. Graham Scored 15 points to lock in 2^nd place.

Once again on the podium was Martin Thearle. Martin had a win and 3 places to settle for third overall and by some margin.

Trevor Bowden led the Fleet from there with his first in race 7. A close group of Rob Lowndes, Stephen Deane and Lew Verdon followed with a gentle points spread from there and on.

There were 2 countbacks with Stephen Deane grabbing 6^th ahead of Lew Verdon. Positions 9 and 10 saw John Hickey taking the lead there from Judy Evans.

Race winners were, Phil Stevenson 3, Graham Brown 4,, Martin Thearle 1, Trevor Bowden 1 and Stephen Deane 1.

Phil Stevenson took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 14 points.

Graham Brown finished in 2nd place on 15 points.

Martin Thearle finished in 3rd place with 30 points.

The Club Championship now has Martin Thearle in front from Phil Stevenson and Noel McPherson.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 30^th July for a Scratch Event.

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