2022 ARYA DF95 National Championship Day 1 of 3

​What a day today, to open the ARYA 2020 DF95 National Championships.

A beautiful morning grreted us, with a soon to be 26C afternoon. A nice, light northerly katabatic was coming in for the first five races, with a great, consistent wind direction.

Five races were completed in these ideal light to mid A rig conditions before we had our lunch break, and almost on cue, the wind died out completely.

The host club sailing very well, with the first five positions.

Once lunch was finished, we returned to the course, but the wind was nowhere to be seen. With the temperature ramping up and no breeze to cool things down, our interstate visitors got a real taste of the hot Tasmanian sun and associated UV intensity. It was noted by a few how they did not expect the buring feeling they had when exposed to the direct sunlight as it did today.

After about an hour delay, the next introduction of a true sea breeze to our visitors came through. initially, with a 10 knot southerly taking over from the morning katabatic, intensifying to a strong 20-25 knot breeze. Many changed to a B rig, with a few bravely holding on to their A rigs. A few changed up to a C rig by the end of the day, and we had a few failures and breakages by the time the day came to an end. Nothing too serious and all are expected to make it to the first race tomorrow.

By the 5pm finish time, we had completed 11 races, with Lisa Blackwood the current leader, on 33 points. Rod Jackman is currently second, on 38, with Chris Wood in third, on 45 points.

Interestingly, positions 4 through 10 are currently separated by just 10 points, showing again the closeness of the racing today.

We have also had 8 different winners, from the 11 races.

A big thanks to our volunteers today. Without you, the event would not be happening. A special thanks would ahve to go to Ted Stevens, who travelled from Launceston today in order to help out on the rescue boat. It's really appreciated.

Racing starts again tomorrow from 1030.