Well the cooler weather has arrived. The temperature struggled to a peak of 17^oC, felt like 15^oC. As forecast, it stayed mostly dry with a few spits of rain as the course was set. Fourteen DAC Sailors rugged up and dealt with fluky winds on smooth waters. There was a heavy overcast which stayed with us for the racing.

B sails started the day with mostly A’s selected after the first few races.

The set course was to the West with a breeze which swung to the South as the day progressed. It ranged from 7 up to 22 Km/Hr. in gusts, (4 to 12 Knots).

There was a wind deficit about half way to the windward mark, the odd puff was a bonus if one could nail it and then lay the top rounding.

Phil Stevenson came to the fore with 3 firsts and a brace of places to score  11 points and the day’s win. Phil was closely challenged by Martin Thearle with 2 firsts and 3 places. Martin scored 14 points to secure second place for the day. Rob Lowndes earned third place overall to lead the rest of the fleet. Rob scored 21 points and fortunately his 2 DNF’s were dropped. One involved a tangle with myself in race 7. He may well have finished closer to the leaders otherwise.

Lew Verdon had another good day on the water with a win and a place. Graham Brown spent some time sorting out settings and electronics and was closely bunched with those above him on the scoresheet. Bruce Paterson managed to just keep Noel McPherson at bay with some good finishes with Noel winning race 2. Noel finished just 2 points behind Bruce. The remaining places went to Geoff Lucas, Brian Chapman and Trevor Bowden.

For a Scratch day, there were many contenders and although Phil and Martin were clear ahead, points difference following wasn’t that great.

With the rub of the green as they say…..

Race winners were Phil Stevenson 3, Martin Thearle 2, Rob Lowndes 1, Lew Verdon 1 and Noel McPherson 1.

Phil Stevenson took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 11 points.

Martin Thearle finished in 2nd place on 14 points.

Rob Lowndes finished in 3rd place with 21 points.

The Club Championship now has Graham Brown in front from Phil Stevenson and Noel McPherson.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 5^th June for a Handicap Event.

---