A light North Wester (0 - 5 knots) greeted a small fleet of just nine boats today. As the morning proceeded the wind died as a rain front approached. We completed just two races before PRO Ray Joyce called an early lunch. It was a great call too as over lunch the wind picked up and the afternoon's racing was held in a Southerly of mostly about 10 knots but with some quite serious gusts of up to maybe 20 knots. All the skippers stayed with their A rigs and, as the water was remarkably smooth, the IOM's handled it well.
A feature of today's racing was that 7 of the 9 skippers managed a race win and all skippers scored at least a second place. Today's winner was that wily silver fox Peter Darcey who added consistently high placings to three race wins to claim the day. Congratulations on a well deserved win Darcey. Andrew Wardrop took second place with one race win two 2nds and one 3rd. Well done Andrew. I managed to sneak third place today, mixing some good luck with better boat speed. Special mention must also be made of Martin Svensen who claimed his maiden race win today. Not only a race win but in fact two race wins and a second – and 4th overall today. Well deserved results too for the grit and determination he has shown to master this sport. Thanks to Ray for his excellent work as PRO. Next Wednesday Andrew Wardrop will once again officiate as we will be sailing the DF95's. Sunday's sailing will IOM scratch racing at Montrose starting at 10:00. Skippers beware! Daylight savings finishes the night before so adjust your clocks correctly. John S
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Sunday saw the DF95 42 degrees South regatta held at Risdon Brook Dam.
Surprisingly, there was a small amount of wind early, but a little bit difficult, coming over the trees (North East) and becoming quite erratic on the water. We got in 19 races today, with just the last two being a mix of A and B rig, but the rest of the day in extremely light A conditions. Mathew Gray came out with the win today, on 49 points. ichard Fisher was just two points behind, on 51 in second, with Rod Jackman in third, with 58 points. Big thanks to Les Hanson and Rod Marshall, for keeping the races going in efficient fashion and controlling the day so well. On Saturday, we held the Herb Tyson Memorial for A Class.
A small fleet of 7 made it to the event, and sailed just seven races in the very light conditions, till the wind gave out at lunch and we soon called the day at about 2.30. Michael Hickman was the one who set the pace this year, winning with 10 points. Lisa Blackwood came second with 13 points, with John Cole-Cook just one behind in third, on 14 points. Thanks to Ted Stevens, who made the trip south to compete with us, and to Les, for Proing the day in some challenging conditions. A cool blustery westerly wind of 5-18 knots set the scene for today’s mid-week handicap at Risdon Brook Dam. The wind shifted dramatically from North to Southwest and vicious gusts were common.
Only twelve skippers competed in today’s event. Perhaps this was due to the very cool conditions or due to the fatigue caused by the amount of sailing that we have been doing recently. All skippers chose B-rigs, which set a level playing field. I am guessing that the thought of changing to an A-rig would have been been quite tempting as there were some quite massive calm patches. In all it was a testing day. Mat Gray again showed his class by winning the day by virtue of consistency. His ability to feature in the placings even when his handicap has reached the maximum of 90 seconds is outstanding. John Hall, a regular amongst the place getters in this competition, took second position. Kim Potter took third place with two wins and two second places in his race tally. Congratulations to all! As one of the scratch boats won today’s event the handicaps are ‘shaken down’ for next week. So the top third of the fleet all retain their handicap (Mat, John, Kim and Phil) while all others (who completed 7 races) have their handicap reduced by 10 seconds. Radio sailing does not stop! Coming up: Saturday 26th - A Class at Risdon Brook Dam (10:00 access to the dam, 11am start - email to follow) Sunday 27th - 42oS Regatta for DF95’s at Risdon Brook Dam (10:30 start0 Wednesday 30th - IOM handicap at Risdon Brook Dam (11:00 start) John S Extremely calm conditions today, with a slight northerly blowing. Would be lucky to have made 3 knots unfortunately.
Seven skippers turned up for an earlier than usual start, to make use of the much better tide from 10am. Something we will be doing into the future, especially with our Marbleheads. Close racing ensued (as usual) with five winners across the eight races. By the end fo the eight though, the water had glassed right over and we made the wse call to finish up a little early. If we had started at 1pm, n racing would have been possible with the lack of wind, so the earlier start had a few benefits to it today. Lisa Blackwood was our winner today. A couple of wins and finishing on 11 points. Second, on countback, was in-form John Hall, just three behind Lisa, on 14. Edged out in third, with the same 14 points was Kyle Stewart. On handicap today, John was our victor, with two net points, with Lisa and Rod both in second, on 1 net points. Wednesday is out regular IOM Mid Week Handicap, and next weekend, we have a double header, with the Herb Tyson Memorial for A Class on Saturday, and the 42 degrees South Regatta for DF95's on Sunday. Official entries close today for these ranking events, so please get your entries in if you are sailing. We only have two in for the DF95's and three for the A Class, so both will lose their ranking status if we don't get six entries. The 2022 ARYA DF95 National Championship has concluded, and what a last day. Some great, close racing , with some tight results in the end.
We started this morning with a dreary, overcast day, with a very slight ESE wind, that varied to the SE later on. Never exceedng 8 knots all day. With such slight wind, it was nice that the weed experienced in previous days was mostly not on the course. Given a good run over the first two days, we had an allotted maximum of 14 races for today, and got there with half an hour to spare (good timing). The light conditions probably suited the local fleet, who had a bit of experience with the wind shifts and current flows at the point. Six races were completed to lunch time, giving another 8 to go for the day. Peter Newman was in control, but not out of reach in first place, with Chris Wood and Rod Jackman 10 and 12 points adrift. Maybe the next drop at race 40 would have a say in the championship? In the afternoon, the breeze lightened to just a few knots, and the drizzle set in, just for some extra for the competitors (and poor John, who did the rock wall ascent/descent for yacht handling to and from the water). By the time the 40 were completed, there were some very weary competitors and volunteers, all too keen to get back to the bar for a dry off and social beverage before end results were announced. In the end, the local experience combined with great sailing proved too valuable, with Rod Jackman (Tas) storming home late, to win the 2022 DF95 Championship on 156 points. Close behind in second, was Chris Wood (Tas), just 5 behind, on 161 points. Taking third place in the championship was Peter Newman (Vic) on 168 points, just 7 adrift from Chris. A very closely fought set of races for the championship places. Congratulatons to all competitors for a great 6 day event (DF65 & DF95). It was sailed in great spirit, with the competitiveness expected at a national regatta. On behalf of Risdon Brook Radio Yacht Club, we hope you enjoyed your stay in Tasmania, and that you enjoyed your time, both socially and on the race course. Shortly, I will be sending a survey out to ask your opinions on how the regatta was run, how you felt about the facilities and courses, plus any comments you'd like to pass on to the committee about any of your experiences, for us to learn from, and to pass to the ADFRSA and Queensland, who I believe is hosting the DF65 and DF95 Championship next year. No event can run without its support crew, and it was no exception here. We have also had so many support volunteers - please accept my humble apologies if I missed any of you. Our Race Officers - Michael Hickman (DF65) and Jeff Byerley (DF95). Thank you for your efforts in getting us to our 40 race limits as well as setting the courses in what has been some challenging conditions. John Hall, Andrew Wardrop and Les Hanson. These men volunteered for the entire six days. A massive effort. Catering, scoring, boat lauching/retrieval. John Short, Rod Marshall, Rod Jackman, Stuart Dawes all volunteered on the rescue boat, which was invaluable for weed checks and buoy movements - as well as observer duties. Anne Cole Cook and Ken Dobbie for their shore based work with scoring, as well as protest co-ordinator. Peter Germein and Ray Joyce with catering assistance and photographic dutes. Phil Brooke, a member of MBYC, who donated a day of his time for the rescue boat duties. Thank you so much for volunteering your services. The event would not happen without the type of generousity you have given to the club. We do hope that all competitors and volunteers have enjoyed the 2022 National Championships and hope to see as many of you as possible again in the next installment of the DF Championships next year. Day 2 of the DF95 National Championships started again in a different way. Much cooler, with a predicted maximum some 10C below yesterday's high, and no hint of the morning Katabatic. Gone was the sunscreen from yesterday, and on with the thermals and rain jackets today.
Instead, we had a light South Westerly coming in, unfortunately with an amount of weed as well. I don't think anyone got away without being affected at some stage int he morning, but we all did the best we could and completed another 6 races prior to lunch. Peter Newman (Vic) made his move today, taking hold of hte lead at lunch, with Rod Jackman maintaining second place from the night before, and Lisa Blackwood moving to third. After lunch, the mist around the mountain descended and we were briefly treated to a stiff South Westerly, with many changing to B rigs, but the squall (with associated light rain) lasted only half an hour before resuming the lighter sub 10 knot breeze. During the afternoon, our visitors were treated to the infamout Mona Rome Tsunami - the metre swell that comes off the ferry, crashing in to the shore. Fortunately, it had no bearing on the racing conditions today. The day closed out in constantly drizzly conditions, with 16 races completed today, to make 27 for the championship so far. 13 maximum for tomorrow to complete the championship. Clubhouse leader for today, is Peter Newman (Vic), on 112 points. Chris Wood (Tas) is close behind in second, on 116 points, with Rod Jackman (Tas) in third, on 121 points. Racing resumes at 1030 tomorrow, for the final day of the championship. 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. Well, the third and final day has been completed and we have a new set of champions for the DF65 class. Conditions early on were borderline between A+ and A rig, but the whole fleet settled on the A+. After a quick assessment, we found the weed had infiltrated the course B area again, so went straight to the cource C championship area, where we enjoyed the eclectic mix of northerly, westerly, easterly and southerly winds. At least we hardly had a moment of no wind at all, with the exception of a half hour pause mid afternoon as the sea breeze fought against the northerly, and finally won, giving us a fantastic sea breeze for the last two races. Co-incidentally, our 40th and final race per the NoR started at 3.55, just five minutes before the allotted last button press. Unfortunately, a few gremlins turned up today, and we had some failures of certain degrees today, with five sailors feeling the effects, two having their participation in the championship cut short. That said, the days sailing was very exciting and close. Lisa Blackwood and Phil Burgess again showing up what consistency looked like. Mathew Gray also had a great day, moving up the championship leaderboard. Leader from yesterday, Lisa Blackwood's heart skipped a beat, when her V2 winch decided to pack it in finally. Luckily, a replacement was fitted and was back racing two races after the failure. In the end, Lisa was just too good, with her vast sailing experience and knowledge of the local conditions - winning the 2022 ARYA DF65 Australian Championship with just 83 points from 40 races. Second place, was Phil Burgess. Sailing an unflappable championship, and both ultra consistent, and very courteous around the race course. Third place went to Mat Gray, who improved as the championship progressed. All very worthy winners and are all to be congratulated. We also had a Masters and Grand Masters awards. Australian Master winner went to Rod Marshall, with the Grand Master winner being David Jones. We would like to thank all competitors who sailed for a very courteous and enjoyable event. Another big thanks goes to those who travelled across the pond from our neighbouring states to participate in the championship. Thankyou also to our volunteers. Those who took on the Pro duties, rescue boat handlers, yacht launch/retrievers, scorers, observers, caterers and helpers. Your efforts have been really appreciated. Time now to rest and recover somehow, in preparation for the DF95 Championship starting tomorrow. Thanks to Ray Joyce, who took the majority of the photos below across the three days An interesting, very fun, bloody frustrating and enjoyable day today for the second day of the National Championship.
The volunteers were on the job nice and early, and set a course for us, for the wind to change right as we were starting (on course B). After a short delay, and concerns over the large amount of weed being pushed through with the northerly 15 knot or so wind, we decamped and moved to competition course C. Launching options were quite limited given the low tide, but our faithful volunteers again had the solution and had a person at the waters edge for the sailors to pass the yachts to for launch and retrieval. Today, we got about 5 races in before lunch, starting with B rigs and considering the need for C's as well, before the wind died off and we changed back to A+ for the last two before lunch. Lisa Blackwood, by this stage had overtaken Phil Burgess for the lead and started to distance herself from second place. After lunch, the breeze varied considerably for us, with northerlies interspersed with westerly and southerlies. The sea breeze tried to come in, but was overruled by the prevailing nor-wester for the day. Unfortunately, towards the end of the day, the weed reappeared, and did affect some races, but we all took it in our stride and continued sailing some weed affected - and some brilliant races till our alloted 5pm finish. Over the two days, we have so far completed 26 races, 12 yesterday and 14 today, giving us a maximum of 14 races remaining tomorrow. Lisa Blackwood, is our clubhouse leader after day two, with just 56 points from the 26 races, bulding a handy lead over Phil Burgess, in second, 16 points adrift in second place. John Wyatt surprised himself to hold third spot with 93 points, with Mathew Gray in 4th on 102 points. Not only is there hot competition up the top, but there are also some real close results so far a bit further down the order with 6th through to 10th place separated by just 13 points, so the action is quite hot there as well. Two big things to note from the first two days, which is a credit to the entire Nationals fleet. We have had 9 different winners amongst the twelve competitors, showing how close the racing actually is. Secondly, as with all racing, there have been an amount of incidents across the event so far. That will always happen. However, there has not been a bad word spoken, and all competitors have quickly completed penalty turns when due, and on multiple occasions - I can recall four times - where the competitor who fouled up another, has gone over to the affected sailor and personally apologised for the infraction/mistake. Something that should be modelled from. It is fantastic to see this occuring while competing in a national competition. Thankyou needs to go to our volunteers, who have been quick in all assistance required, in launching the boats, rescue efforts, recording finishes, running the races, catering and all general assistance. It has been really appreciated. It was also great to see our friends from other clubs close by, coming over to watch some of the racing today (and yesterday). We really appreciate the effort in coming over to watch this event. Sailing resumes tomorrow from 1030 for the last day of the DF65 Nationals. |
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