It was good just to get back to Wednesday sailing after a couple of handicap events cancelled. With the temperature forecast for 17 and a good breeze promised 14 skippers turned up for today’s event at the dam. The wind was straight Northerly and about 20 to 25 knots and so B-rigs were the obvious choice. In a couple of the races before lunch we were well overpowered and knockdowns and nose-dives were common. Fortunately the wind did moderate for the afternoon’s session and the day was completed without major incidents.
It was the sort of day where it was difficult to decide whether it was best to work the shore-line where working the shifts earned you ground or to stay out where there were less wind holes. An ounce of luck was a good thing. Thanks to Lisa for taking on PRO duties in the afternoon session. It was the sort of day when an on-duty PRO was really needed. Today’s racing was, in fact, a handicap shield event as it had been held over twice consecutively due to the cancellations. It was the mid-fleeters who featured in the results . Ricky Price continues to excel with his new boat and took third spot with two wins a second place in his total. I managed second today with some good sailing in the afternoon. It was Phil Jackman’s day though with consistent good sailing well earning him the win. Congratulations Trout! All three of us unfortunately fall victim to the handicap snare: Too many trips to the podium earns you handicap penalty! Coming up: Sunday: DF95 scratch racing at Risdon Brook Dam. (10:00 button press) Next Wednesday: IOM handicap racing at Risdon Brook Dam. (11:00 button press) Shorty
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A cool day today, but with a nice - but gentle breeze from the north giving an ideal wind direction at least for Long Distance Racing.
Eight skippers turned up today, two IOM's and 6 Marbleheads - a last prep before we have 3-4 of them heading to NSW for the 2024 National Championship. With the format today, we decided to handicap the IOM's two minutes from the RM's and see how it went from there. Initially, the IOM's had a distinct advantage given the head start, but that was a very hard thing to get right given the changing nature of the strength of wind. All said, the 2 minutes was kept for much of the day, and all sailors were quite happy with how that turned out. Ricky got a great start, having to drop a second place by race 4. His V12 is going beautifully and is a rocket downwind. It was not all his way though, with some RM's taking some wins later on and Andrew also getting in front of him on a few occasions. In the RM fleet, Kyle, Lisa and Ray fought it out a fair bit until Ray retired for the remainder of the day. Rod Marshall came in with a fantastic lift on one of the races and almost took the fleet win on that race. John Hall also had some magnificent turns of speed in some of the races as well. In the end, the consistency of Kyle and Lisa's racing proved the difference, heading the fleet at the end of the day. Overall results - Ricky Prices streak of high performance has continued and he is a very worthy winner of the day, with 11 points from the seven races. Second place by countback - six points in arrears, was Lisa Blackwood on 17 points, with Kyle taking out third place. IOM fleet was dominated by Ricky, winning with 7 points. It wasn't all his way though, with Andrew Wardrop winning a few races, finishing on 10 points. RM Fleet was close, with Kyle taking the day out on 10 points, with Lisa one behind on 11 and John Hall rounding out the top three on 18 points. The results of the IOM and RM Fleet is calculated with the other fleet completely disregarded in that race. ie in race 7, Kyle finished 6th overall and Lisa 1st, a difference of 5 points, but in the fleet race, Lisa was 1st and Kyle 4th, a difference of 3. This is why there are occasions where a skipper may finish higher overall and another skipper may finish above them in the fleet race - such as it was between Lisa and Kyle today. Coming up Wednesday is Mid Week IOM Handicap at the Dam, button press at 11am Next Sunday is scheduled DF95 Scratch, at the dam, button press at 10am. For those of us that are MBYC members as well, a reminder that the MBYC AGM is on next Sunday as well (3pm) Kyle A cold day this morning. The car told me it was a sprightly 3C on the way to the dam. The ice on the side of the road told me it was colder, but a nice Katabatic had formed on the Derwent, so was hoping the same for the dam.
Not quite as good as the river, but the dam did provide some consistent wind, albeit very light - but at least it wasn't patchy and random. We got under way with a very slight delay while we fixed up a competitors broken sidestay - how fiddly that is when the fingers are numb from the cold. The 11 competitors got away, and we enjoyed a consistent light breeze up until the lunch break, having completed 6 races. A quick tally of the results had Lisa ahead, with Ray, Stu and Kyle tied for 2nd place. Peter Sylvester was leading the Silver fleet, with Rod in second and Ricky and Andrew tied for third. All very close together. The lunch break brought in a rest in the wind and we thought that the day would be done, but it did come back and we sailed a further six races after lunch. The final two in millpond conditions, but just enough wind to keep moving - just. It turned out today that the first beat was critical to the final positions on most of the races, with the first few getting around the buoys often remaining in those front couple of positons. Unfortunately no real passing lanes today. At the end of the twelve races, things were very tight thoughout, both overall and in Silver Division. With a win in the last race, Ray Joyce came out the winner of the Mid Winter Regatta on just 24 points by way of his three race wins. Second, on countback was Kyle Stewart - no wins today, but very consistent with throwing out two 5th places. Third today was Lisa Blackwood, just two points behind on 26 points. In Silver Fleet, Andrew Wardrop took the win for the day on 19 points. A fine performance today. Second place, on countback, was Peter Sylvester - also on 19 points. Third place went to Ricky Price, just two adrift on 21 points. A great days sailing, albeit in very light conditions. It was wonderful to see that although we were a few short on normal numbers for the event, the Silver Fleet sailors were out in force today enjoying the sailing - with multiple sailors taking podium places within the full fleet, which is fantastically encouraging. Ricky Price adding to his first main fleet race win a few weeks ago with his first win in a Ranking Event. Personally, I feel that the Silver Fleet idea has been a great success, with us seeing a few sailors returning to Sunday sailing, and enjoying the challenges that it brings, as well as having good opportunity to come away with some success on the day. This concept came about from one of our members - who wasn't on the committee - and shows that members input to the committe is heard and will be acted on if it has advantage to the members. Please bring in more ideas and opinions to the committee if you have an idea that could help us become a better and more inclusive club. It's what makes us stronger. Big thanks - as always - to Les today, for being the PRO for us, allowing the rest of us to enjoy the sailing. Thanks also to Stu Dawes for helping out with the last few races and Phil Jackman for coming along and also supporting Les towards the end of the day. Coming up Wednesday is Mid Week IOM Handicap at the Dam, button press at 11am Next Sunday is scheduled RM Scratch, but this may change with three of our RM sailors heading to Melbourne next weekend for the Victorian State Championships. More details to confirm and follow regarding next Sunday. Good luck to those competing next weekend. Kyle It was a very chilly start to the day and although is was sunny, the sun does not really make its appearance at the dam until it emerges from the shadows of the pine trees about 11:00 and so, in brief, it was cold! A nice wind though – about 8-10 knots of katabatic Northerly drawing straight down the dam. As usual with this winter wind it did moderate during the day but even in the last race there was 4 of 5 knots and so, in all, excellent conditions for sailing DF95’s
Andrew Wardrop officiated superbly as usual and set a good course for suiting the DF95. Thanks Andrew. We welcomed my brother Alan Short to the fleet today. Al had some initial set up problems with a broken forestay, and losing his rudder. Eventually he was able to enjoy some good racing after the lunch break. Welcome to Risdon Brook Al. Close finishes are becoming quite the usual with our handicap events which shows that the system is working well. Third place today was taken by Phil Jackman with 6 podium finishes but without a race win. Second went to Lisa Blackwood who sailed much of the day starting well behind everyone else. Today’s winner was Ian Bailey with four race wins. Ian and his mate Colin are regular starters when we have a DF95 Wednesday. We appreciate your input guys and you have put us on notice with the improvement that you are making. Congratulations to today’s place-getters! Lisa’s performance today causes a ‘shakedown’ of handicaps. Her performance today would normally raise her handicap by 10 seconds. But because she started the day with a handicap of 65 such an increase would take her to 75 which is beyond the 70 second limit for maximum handicap. So instead she goes to 70 for the next event and all others are reduced by 5. Coming Up: Sunday: The IOM mid-winter regatta at Risdon Brook dam. Late entries can still be made on-line. Briefing at 10:15 for a 10:30 start. Next Wednesday: IOM handicap racing at Risdon Brook dam. 11:00 button-press. Shorty Predictions of 25 knot sou'westers had a few skippers going over their B rigs last night, to make sure everything was in good order for some spirited sailing today.
Unfortunately, the weather gods decided the cold was enough and we were met with maybe 4 knots through much of the day with a few showers mixed in. Not quite the ideal for a day where the mercury didn't tip 10C. Sailors kitted up with thermals, jackets and waterproof Gore-Tex jackets still feeling the cold weather. We had eight skippers front today for the 4th round of the Winter Series. Just the eight races completed in the time available, but I am pretty confident we were all happy getting back in the car and cranking that heater up. It was great to see Andrew Wardrop at the dam again today. A podium position in race 6. I hope you enjoyed the dal (if you ignored the cold weather, that is). Five winners in the eight races showed that competition was close and tight today. Of note was Ricky Price celebrating his first ever win in a scratch event at the club - only to follow that up with another bullet a few races later. Well done Ricky!!! Stu Dawes again showed he is the master of the light conditions at the dam today, and came away winner of the round on 13 points. He did not have it all his own way today though. His win was on coutback today (3 wins). Tied on 13 points, but second on countback (2 wins) was Ricky Price. He has his V12 going really well and much be pleased as punch with it. Just one point back on 14 points - Lisa Blackwood took out third place. In silver fleet today, no surprise with Ricky Price taking out the days honours. Second was Rd Marshall on 12 points. John Hall rounded out the top three on 16 points. As many are aware, NTRYC hosted the 2014 "Alan Furmage Memorial" Tasmanian DF65 State Championship. RBRYC was represented by four of our own, with Lisa, Mat, Kyle and new member Oliver Burnell. We had a spectacular days sailing, with Mat winning the State Championship, Lisa in second - just one point behind and Kyle taking third place. Oli - having never sailed with an A+ rig - struggled early, but with some help with tune through the day, got some really good races in and will certainly be a force to be reckoned with in the future. Link to the results of the DF65 State Championships is on the RC Sailing Tasmania Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/305715482929060 Coming up Wednesday is Mid Week IOM Handicap at the Dam, button press at 11am Next Sunday is IOM Mid Winter Challenge at the Dam, Button Press at 1000. If you ae intending on competing, please get your entry in as soon as possible. There are just 7 entries in so far. Kyle The condition for todays IOM handicap at Risdon Brook dam could only be described as changeable. Our first race started pretty much in drifting conditions. A light South Westerly zephyr gave us some promise for race 2 but by its end we were overwhelmed by a huge Northerly blast that sent us all to the sail lockers to set up the B-rig for the third race. The gust we experienced was a herald for a significant rain storm which, of course, quietened the wind and the third race again finished as a drifter. We then took our lunch break hoping that some sort of wind would establish itself, but – not to be – and so we decided to call it a day and finish early.
With only three races sailed the day does not officially ‘count’ as an event. But as today was not a ‘handicap shield’ day, we will publish the results below ‘unofficially’ only. Handicaps will not change for next week. Ricky Price seems to have the new boat well set up now and finished third overall. Ray always sails well when the dam dishes up the worst of conditions and he finished second today. And Phil Jackman continues to mine a rich vein of form and is the unofficial winner today. Coming up: Sunday: IOM scratch racing at Risdon Brook dam. (10:00 button press) Next Wednesday: DF95 handicap racing at Risdon Brook dam. (11:00 button press) And, all the best to those who are heading to Launceston on Saturday for the DF65 State titles. Late entries for this can still be made on-line. Shorty A cool morning for the 6 skippers today, but a reasonable NW breeze to sail in. Fortunately, it intensified a bit and for about an hour, we were sailing at the top end of A Rig, before it abated to a very light 3 knot breeze at the end of the day. By the time we had packed up and left, the breeze had died completely as predicted.
It was great to see Phil Turnbull back on the water today as well. Twelve races completed today, which was quite good considering the light conditions. Looking at the results, we had four of the six skippers take a race win. Although some of the races had one or two break out from the pack, many races were quite close amongst the skippers. Interestingly, the wind today, had very few shifts and was quite true for much of the day. That said, it seemed the yachts heading further out enjoyed a slightly better breeze and direction to those close in on most occasions. After the twelve races, the battle for honours on the day was decided by just one point. Ray Joyce came out winner of the day with 17 points. So very consistent, as always, with podiums for all his counted races. Kyle Stewart came in second, just one away on 18 points. Also very consistent with throwouts being two 4th places. Coming in third today was John Hall on 27 points. John felt a bit off the pace early, and made an adjustment during one of the breaks and transformed his yacht - so very fast downwind. A great day's sailing today which was really enjoyed by all on site. Big thanks again to Les, for coming along to take on the Pro duties for us - always really appreciated. Coming up Wenesday is IOM Mid Week Handicap, button press at 11am. Next Saturday is the DF65 State Championship at Lake Trevallyn. Please get your entries in if you are considering coming along Sunday is IOM Scratch at the dam, button press at 10am. Kyle A fleet of twelve was probably not too bad today considering the cool wintery conditions and the fact that we are very close now to the year’s shortest day. We had a katabatic Northerly of about 4 knots for most of the day. It was very steady in direction and so the back-markers had little to work with as far as shifts were concerned. The wind did not change direction during the afternoon but gradually died out. Race nine was completed in pretty much drifting conditions and with soft drizzle falling which spelt the end for the day’s sailing.
The racing was the closest that we have had all season. I think that in about five of the nine races the separation of the first and last boats was less than one minute which caused a real test of penmanship for the result recorder. Race wins and podiums were scored right down the table. Third overall today was Paul Matthews. Paul scored a nice race win in race #3 this morning and backed it up with a couple of second places in the afternoon. Congratulations to you Paul. Second place was taken by Peter Sylvester in a welcome return to form. Well done Pete! And today’s winner was Peter Turner who has missed a bit of sailing recently but obviously the break not doing him any harm. Great to see you today Pete and very well sailed! COMING UP: Sunday: Marblehead scratch racing at Risdon Brook Dam. 10:00 Button-press. Next Wednesday: IOM handicap racing at Risdon Brook Dam. 11:00 Button-press. Note - with a lack of confirmed starters for A Class sailing this Saturday, we have called the sail day off. Shorty Cold and blustery at the dam today. Leaving home, I was convinced we'd be in B rigs at best, C rigs maybe later on, but as it turned out, we had our A Suite on for the entirety of the day.
With the inclement weather, Les wisely decided to stay at home, so with just 8 on board today, we decided to run the sailing without an official Pro on the start line and the first finished would scribe the results, with second across calling the finishers as they crossed. It worked very well today, so we have got to thank all skippers for their honesty, fair play and assistance with the tasks required. A start between 5-6 with a beat to 4 and across to 3, long run to 8, across to 7 and then back to 3-4 for the finish made for a good course for the day. We had two new skippers with us today - with big thanks to Lisa for getting a spare DF95 up and running, while also checking that the club boat was ready for action. Welcome to Nick Connor, new member from DSS, as well as Scott Brain who also came from DSS as a visitor today. They both really enjoyed the day from the sounds of it, and we hope to see both of you regularly sailing with us into the future. The wind for the day was predominantly a southerly for much of the day, with 30 degree shifts to both the east and west throughout. Our new sailors got an extreme example of the shiftyness of the dam, and quickly found out which sailors went best in those conditions. That said, the day was enjoyed by everybody. First place today was the DF95 Dam Master, Stu Dawes. Winning 5 of the 10 races - some by a signifcant margin. Thoroughly deserving the round win on just 12 points. Second place, 7 points adrift, was Ray Joyce on 19 points. Ray had somme superb speed on the day, showing some fantastic acceleration out from the pack at the start on multiple occasions. Third place (and starting to make a habit of it) was John Hall on 25 points. Sailing real consistent and after three podium positions, wondered out loud if he was going to get a race win - then got it in race 9. Well deserved. In Silver fleet, we only had the top three today with a few skippers missing at the moment. John Hall was the runaway leader with a clean slate for the day, finishing on 8 points. Then there was the battle of the DSS - Scott Brain won that battle today on 16 points, with Nick Connor on 32. Expect both of them to improve markedly as they come to grips with the nuances of tuning and sailing the DF95. Coming Up IOM Handicap Racing on webdesday at the Dam, button press at 11am A Class Scratch next Saturday at the dam, button press at 10am. Note, we will get around the skippers to see if we can get four minimum on the day. If not, we will postpone the sailing. RM Scratch Racing next Sunday at the dam, button press at 10am Kyle As I was driving to the dam today, my hopes weren't high. Cadbury's factory smoke stack indicating no wind. EZ smoke also going straight up. Were we going to sail today?
Turned up to the dam, and glass right across it, with 14 skippers milling about, wondering what to do... Just after official start time, some breeze did fill in, and we were under way not long after. Very light conditions throughout most of the day, hardly exceeding 3 knots, however towards the end of the day, we did get a few 10 knot blasts come through for us to make things a bit more exciting. Seemed like it paid to not be in front for much of the race, with those a little behind seeing who was moving and not moving in front - making decisions a bit simpler. That said, there was ample opportunity as well with many chosing an inside lane, some going down the middle of the course, and some real brave souls taking an out wide lane to see if there might be an advantage. I must say the behaviour again was fantastic amongst the competitors. Penalty turns done and not requiring being called over it. Ttrue sportsmanship and it was on display today. Well done to those skippers. We had a welcome return to a few skippers today. It was great seing Martin Svensen, Andrew Wardrop, Andrew Price and John Short back sailing on a Sunday. Ricky Price had his V12 sailing today for the first time at the club. Beautifully built boat, and Ricky has done a fantastic job getting it all rigged and ready to race. A couple of podium positions on the day a great reward for his efforts in getting the boat ready to race. To the final results, and Michael Hickman showed again that he is the King of Risdon Brook light weather. A masterclass on display today. with drops of only 4 and 3. A tally for the day of 14 points. Hot on his heels, just one point behind was Stuart Dawes - a pair of wins and seconds showing the consistency of his sailing today. A well deserved second. Taking third today, was Ray Joyce, three adrift from Stu on 18 points. In Silver fleet today, Ricky came out winner on 12 points. Four division wins in a row with hs new V12 proving red may actually really be the faster colour. Taking second place, on 17 points, was Rod Marshall, also with a podium position amongst the full fleet. Third place, on a countback with Andrew Wardrop and Peter Sylvester, was John Short. All on 18 points - just one behind Rod - showing the closeness amongst the sailing today. Thanks, as always, to Les for his work as Pro today. Still recovering from his recent treatments, he covered 4km today watching over the fleet, doing the starts and recording the finishes. Massive job and we are truly appreciative of your continued efforts Les. Coming up Wednesday is a return to Mid Week IOM Handicap at the Dam, button press at 11am Next Sunday is DF95 Scratch at the Dam, Button Press at 1000. We also have the DF65 State Championships coming up on June 29. If you are interested in competing, please get your entry in as soon as possible so the organisers can plan for the day. The committee is meeting this coming Tuesday, and one of the topics asked frmo the AGM to discuss is starting times of Sunday sail days. If there is any membership comments over start times, could you please let me know so I can put those comments forward at the meeting. Kyle |
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