2021 Tasmanian State IOM Championship - Day 1

​A lovely warm day greeted up today, for the first day of the 2021 Tasmanian IOM State Championship.

Unfortunately, the wind hadn't arrived, and we had about an hour and a half delay, before breaking for an early lunch. In the lay time, we had to also head down to the marks closest to the DEC to help a massive tree branch on its way. The wet we had the last few weeks certainly washed out the Derwent, and today showed the results of it, with not just that one large branch, but another one floated past int he afternoon as well, which also needed "persuation" from our rescue dinghy to get off the course.

After lunch, a nice northerly filled in, and before long, we were changing to B rigs. We ended up getting in 11 races for the day,which were very close amongst the skippers. Lisa Blackwood and Mathew Gray were standouts in their consistency today though, and have taken a good lead at the end of the day, with Lisa on 19 points, and Mat on 22. 3rd place was closely fought as well with John Cole-Cook currently in 3rd, on 31 points, with Ray Joyce breathing down his neck, just one point behind.

The day was expertly Pro'd by Les Hanson. Laying down the rules early and keeping everyone in line with both on water behaviour and quick weed checks etc as well. Without doing so, we would certainly have sailed fewer races today. It was a bit awkward later on in the day, with retreival of yachts only possible from the steps and not fromt he sea wall with the outgoing tide being quite low today.

A big thanks also has to go to the volunteers today. David Jones as the consistent eagle eyed observer.. Other volunteers today, on boat rescue, start/finishing calling, as well as extra observers where they were able to included Rod Marshall, Andrew Wardrop, Peter Sylvester, John Murrell and John Short. It is really apprecaited that you all took time out on the weekend to make the day so enjoyable. If I missed any volunteers, I sincerely apologise.

Tomorrow will see the conclusion of the championship, which should be a fantastic day. Looking forward to seeing the competitors back tomorrow, as well as a healthy number of volunteers and watchers.

Kyle