Thirteen DAC Sailors came along for our Scratch racing yesterday.

The last day of Summer didn’t disappoint.

It was hot, with the max temperature reaching 37^oC just after 1pm. There was a light breeze which favoured the North East with some swings to the North West. We set the Course several times, with the most successful being set by Noel McPherson, thanks Noel.

The Nor’Easter firmed around 1.30pm and this gave us a relieving temperature drop to the low 30’s. The final wind was 15 with gentle gusts to 21 Km/Hr, (8 to 11 Knots).

“A” sails were chosen for the first few races with everyone changing to “B” ‘s later on.

Graham Brown suffered weed or some marine interference for 2 races but for the rest, 4 wins and 3 second places. This gave Graham an outright win for the day, scoring 10 points, daylight second! Judy Evans had a most consistent day to earn second place with 29 points and well clear of the rest of the Fleet.

This must have been one of the closest race days for some time for the middle order. There were 8 boats within a five point range, three ties were settled by a countback. Leading the charge, Philip Hetherington scored 35 points to take third place by a countback. Hot on his heels were Lew Verdon, Peter Close, Brian Chapman, Phil Stevenson, Noel McPherson, Geoff Lucas and Robin Tickner. After Graham Brown with his 4 wins, the next win didn’t appear until 7^th place, by Phil Stevenson. Noel McPherson 2 wins and Robin Tickner 2 wins (unfortunately “peaking early”) had to add some lower finishes and ended up a little further down the scoresheet.

If this had been a Handicap day, the finishes would have been a nightmare!

Race winners were Graham Brown 4, , Phil Stevenson 1, Noel McPherson 2 and Robin Tickner 2.

Graham Brown took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 10 points.

Judy Evans finished in 2nd place on 29 points.

Philip Hetherington finished in 3rd place with 35 points settled by a countback.

The Club Championship now has Graham Brown in front from Judy Evans and Robin Tickner.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 7^th March for a Handicap Event.

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