A Class State Championships

Day two is now complete for the A Class State Championship, and the weekend overall was a great success. Ray tagged out from his Pro support yesterday and Stu came in to do the Pro duties for day 2. 

The wind was light early, again from the general NW direction. Stu had us all organised and ready for the 1030 button press and we were straight in to it.

Lisa started as she finished yesterday with a win, but had a bit of a harder time in the middle of the day, with Mike and Kyle never far behind. Rod Marshall also had a great day today. Clear mind and trust that his yacht was well set up and pulled out thee wins today from the 13 races. Kyle also took three races, as did Mike, with Lisa taking 4. Generally very close racing, with a few instances where the fleet got left behind in the doldrums which the first few avoided.

Phil Turnbull - having missed a podium result yesterday, got one today, which meant that across the Championship, everyone had an appearance on the podium.

By lunch time, the results were getting very close after Mike peeled off anumber of wins and second places. His rich vein of form continued after lunch which helped him to take out the Championship for I believe the 16th time - with 43 points.

Lisa Blackwood fought hard for second place - just two behind on 45 points.

Kyle Stewart retained his overnight third spot, finishing a further four points behind on 49.

Although a championship glamourises the place getters, they will not exist without the support of all entrants, and a turnout of 8 was great supprt for the class, with two sailing loaned boats - and sailed them very well, given they were not used to them.

It also goes without saying that the support from the volunteers is also instrumental in a successful weekend. They not only help run the racing for us, but also keep us in line when we do something and not necessarily notice. For that, a big thankyou to our two Pro's over the weekend, Ray Joyce yesterday and Stu Dawes today. Our other volunteers with taking some photos and observing the racing were also appreciated. Thanks to John Short, Ricky Price and Ian Hey for their efforts in rescue boat duties and observing our sailing.

Following are some photos of the weekend and some video links - kindly supplied by Ian Hey and Ray Joyce. Thanks guys for taking the time to get some images and vid footage for us all to enjoy.

Video 1

Video 2

Coming up

We have our regular IOM Mid Week Handicap on this Wednesday, with button press at 11am.

Next Sunday is the re-run of the John Emms Regatta for Marbleheads, button press at 1030. Please - if your entry is not in, get it in as soon as possible. 

Kyle