Sixteen DAC Sailors came along for a sail today.

It looks like Autumn has finally arrived. The temperature struggled to reach 18^oC and the wind from the North ranged from 12 to the low 20’s Km/Hr, (7 to 12 Knots). The forecast 4pm shower arrived around 2.30pm but was a very gentle sprinkle.

It was good to have some wind after the last few sail days being drifters.

The challenge today was sail selection. The patchy wind started with a call for “B” sails. All seemed to settle with this until Barry McCarthy braved the walk down the ramp with his “A” sail. This looked like a good idea to me so I followed him, also with my “A” in hand. This choice gave us a second and fourth in Race 3, the “B” ‘s didn’t stand a chance. Up ‘til then, our previous results were at the back of the pack. Our advantage waned as others followed suit.

Phil Stevenson stayed with his “B” sail throughout and after some great starts, was well ahead by the first mark in many races. Phil’s 2 firsts and 3 places earned him 13 points and a comfortable win overall. Martin Thearle, a relatively new Member with us has certainly adapted to RC sailing with success. Martin had 2 wins and all his scoring finishes at 6 or better to total 20 points and take second place. In third place was Graham Brown. Three wins and a second place would normally take the honours but a supposed gear aberration limited Graham to 22 points.

The continuing strength of this Fleet was again shown in the Scoresheet. Wins and places went down to 12^th place, most have a chance or two to gain high finishes on a Scratch sailing day.

It was a very pleasant and cordial day on the water.

Race winners were Phil Stevenson 2, Martin Thearle 2, Graham Brown 3 and Stephen Deane 1.

Phil Stevenson took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 13 points.

Martin Thearle finished in 2nd place on 20 points.

Graham Brown finished in 3rd place also with 22 points.

The Club Championship now has Graham Brown in front from Noel McPherson and Robin Tickner.

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

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