The day promised to be a typical DAC (for this year anyway) day, with a southerly forecast and light winds.  

They got it partly right. We had to wait around until about 1 p.m. before we could get enough puff to allow us to go to sailing.

Not to be outdone, Graham Brown went out to set 2 courses – one to the east and one to the west side of the pontoon.  He was loaded up to the max with buoys for the marks – it looked like another boatload of refugees had hit Iron Cove.

We started on the west side with A sails, then after 4-5 races, a nor’easter came in, so the racing was switched to the east side, and B sails were adopted.

Graham tickled up the course to suit, and we had a couple of races with a decent breeze – that put a smile on a few faces!

13 sailors addressed the vagaries of the wind puffs for the first races, before we could sail with any positivity in the final races.

Mick Costa has become an invaluable member on the deck, being RO for the day, and he had his work cut out with trying to get the results in order with many close finishes crossing the line. Well done Mick, and thanks. Trevor Bowden was seen scooting around with a rescue or two; and Graham Brown is still wondering about the courses to set.

Rob Widders is getting into the action with some midfield placings, as is Trevor Bowden and Geoff Lucas.

It is good to see Lew Verdon and Tim Alexander climbing up through the field with some good results.

It is getting very competitive in the top half of the field when Robin Tickner finishes on 7.

I look at the top 6 sailors and take my hat off to them…. well sailed!

Martin Thearle is running hot with 4 wins, then Phil Stevenson with 2 second places, and Graham Brown and Stephen Deane with 1 each.

And that is how the score sheet ended up:

Martin Thearle won the day with 10 points;

Phil Stevenson second with 13 points,

Graham Brown third with 20 points.

Well done everyone.

Our next sailing day will be Thursday 3 September, and will be a handicap event… looking forward to it!

---