2024 IOM Southern Tasmanian Regatta

Very light conditions today, with constant drizzle throughout much of the day. An excellent field of 15 sailors turned up, including two from the big island (NSW) and three from the north of the state. We felt privileged to have so many travel so far for this event. Thanks to all who travelled to compete with us today.

We got started after a quick weigh in and briefing from Les and John, and unfortunately had just two races compleed before we called a quick meeting amongst the competitors with a possible call to relocate to Risdon with the high level of weed about.

A quick decision and turnaround soon had us packed up at Montrose and set up Risdon Dam for the continuation of the days sailing - all we needed was wind......

After an extended lunch break, a small northerly did fill in, and we got some races under way, with just four more races completed until the wind gave out completely and we called the day - just six races for the day in all.

At least the breaks allowed us to acquaint ourselves with Paul Morrish and Peter Newman, who travelled from NSW to sail with us today. It was great to get to know you guys.

At the end of the six races, we had a real close fight for the top three places, with just one point separating the top 3. Can't get much closer.

Winner of the IOM Southern Tasmanian Regatta for 2024 was Lisa Blackwood, on just 11 points.
Second place - on countback - also on 11 points, was Chris Wood.
Third place today, just one behind our first two, was Michael Hickman, on 12 points.

In our Silver Fleet, our winner today was Richard Fisher on 10 points. Richard came along today to help with a volunteer role, but was soon givent he club IOM to sail in the event instead. Great effort in a hastily prepared and unfamiliar yacht.
Second place was Ted Stevens on 12 points
Rod Marshall rounded out the top three on 13 points.

Today would not have come together without our volunteers.
In the first instance, our buoy maintenance crew from last week - thank you for pulling all the buoys and cleaning them up fror the regatta. Seeing how barnacled they were really shows how warm the water has been here this summer as well as the elevated nutrient levels.

Pro today, John Hall, who pulled out of sailing to run the event today. Your efforts are really appreciated.
Inspection team and observers, Les Hanson, Ken Dobbie, Mat Gray, Phil Jackman - your assistance helped the rest of us to do what we enjoy so much, race these yachts. Otherwise, we'd have had to get people to pull out (voluntarilary of course) to assist the Pro.

Coming up

Wednesday is IOM MId Week Handicap at the Dam - Button press at 11am
Saturday is A Class Scratch - details to be confirmed
Next Sunday is RM Scracth at Risdon Brook - Button press at 10am

Kyle