Thirteen DAC Sailors enjoyed perfect sailing conditions today.

Although the temperature only reached 18^oC it was comfortable and our preferred Nor’Easter appeared at the start of race 2, (as forecast!)

We almost had a drifter for the start but a gentle and steady increase in breeze from 2 up to 13 Km/Hr, (3 to 7 Knots) gave us ideal racing conditions.

The obvious starting sail was “A”, with “B” ‘s appearing after race 3. The “B” ‘s were just right for the rest of the day and it all came back to judging the lay line and those around you.

Phil Stevenson set a cracking pace with wins in races 1 and 2, a bit like trying to catch Matt Wearn. Graham Brown seemed to appear from nowhere and certainly set about securing a very comfortable win for the day. Four wins and 4 places (mostly seconds) gave Graham 13 points and the top of the scoresheet. Phil scored 2 wins and 3 places to take second place with 26 points. Stephen Deane was right in there with a big chance. Two wins and 4 places would normally put one pretty close to the top but a tangle kept Stephen on equal 26 points and third place after a countback.

It was a very successful day for racing with many close starts and very competitive tacking duels on the upwind legs. Downwind didn’t give one a chance to relax as many boats approached the downwind gate together for a tight work to the finish. Many boats finished within seconds of each other but all were scored correctly with eagle eyes from the finishers!

And that was a scratch racing day, just like the Olympics!

Race winners were Graham Brown 4, Phil Stevenson 2, Stephen Deane 3 and Noel McPherson 1.

Graham Brown took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 13 points.

Stephen Deane finished in 2nd place on 26 points.

Phil Stevenson finished in 3rd place, also with 26 points after a countback.

The Club Championship now has Graham Brown in front from Phil Stevenson and Judy Evans.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 15^th August for a Scratch Event.

---