A cold, squally North-Westerly which averaged about 12-15 knots skudded across the dam this morning. Its gusts however  exceeded 25 knots and so B rigs were the appropriate choice.

Ten skippers took to the course initially but Andrew Wardrop retired during the first race with winch failure. Gear troubles also plagued Wayne Behrens (rigging) and myself (sliding jib gooseneck) throughout the day.

Despite the trying conditions racing was very tight and close finishes were the order of the day. This was reflected on the scoreboard too as the top six skippers were separated only by 5 points in the overall standings.

Congratulations to Phil Jackman who won the day (two wins and two seconds). Second place was taken by Ricky Price and that gorgeous huon pine Ellipsis.  John Cole-Cook and Rod Marshall both finished the day on 18 points but John was awarded third place on count back.

In cases where two skippers finish the day on equal points the skipper with the most wins is favoured – In this case both John and Rod had two wins each so count back was decided by the skipper with the most second places – congratulations John.

Thanks as always to our efficient and attentive PRO John Banks who kept the day moving well.

Our next event is for Marbleheads 10:00 Sunday at Montrose. Next Wednesday’s handicap at the dam will be for DF 95’s.

John  

Well, after a few mild days and a possible hint of spring, we got the complete opposite today, with a not-quite-so balmy 4C and very strong NW breeze - and with snow threatening. Interesting through the day that the mountain did not seem to receive much snow, but the hlls just behind us (no higher than 300m) did get quite a dusting.

We had seven brave souls come to sail today. Unfortunately, Les came to sail as well, but the wind offered a bit too much. B Rig is being built as we speak. John H also made the trip to open up, but was unwell and went back home. Hope you're on the Mend, John. Kyle also come to watch, after having surgery a bit over a week ago. A 4hr sleep afterwards, so still some strength to pick up there.

The seven skippers got away with a mix of B, C and even a D Rig, however, after the first race, everyone was on their "B's", which remained for the duration of the sailing. The last two races could have gone back to an A, but we were more interested in getting some races completed before the next squall came in.

We managed to get 10 races in overall - pretty good considering the conditions. A lot of wave management throughout, which some excelled in and others found difficult - but a lot of fun nontheless.

Very consistent results today, from Both Stuart Dawes and Ray Joyce. Very deserved winner ont he day, and runner up with 11 and 14 points respectively. Third place today, went to Richard Fisher. First time on the podium I believe - well done.

Handicap results today were very close, with Ryan Joyce and Richard Fisher both winning on handicap, with +1 point. A log jam in 3rd - on 0, was Stu Dawes, Mat Gray, John SHort and Andrew Price.

This coming Wednesday is IOM Handicap, at Risdon Brook Dam, and next Sunday is the RM Winter Scratch. Next weekend is also the state DF65 Championship, and we have a few representatives heading up the NW to compete. Good luck to all of you. The sailing up there has always been really enjoyable and I see no reason why this one should be any less.

Next Sunday (1st August) is also the close for entries in the Tas Marblehead Southern State Regatta on the 8th August. Please get entries in as soon as possible.

Kyle

The dam turned on a squally north-westerly today gusting mostly around 8 – 10 knots but with some gusts right up to 20. I think that everyone was grateful just to have wind after quite a few days during the winter when we have cancelled Wednesday sailing due to lack of it.

Most skippers chose the A rig for the first race but were well overpowered. A short break allowed most to scurry to their rig box for a change down to B. Those skippers who persisted with the A rig made a good call as the bigger rig helped them power through some significant soft patches and when the wind dropped a little they were best equipped for the last of the pre-lunch races.

Bruce Palmer was a welcome visitor today. Wayne Behrens  generously loaned Bruce his boat for a few races. Bruce is currently considering purchasing a DF 95, and under today’s testing conditions showed that he will be quick to pick up the skills. Welcome to Radio Sailing Bruce!

Huge thanks to John Banks for doing PRO duties today. John always keeps the event running smoothly and quickly. John needed to be on his toes today as many of the finishes were very close.

Congratulations to Peter Webberly who claimed the crown with two firsts and two seconds amongst other consistently good results. Ray Joyce took second place remarkably claiming a win in race 9 while on a starting handicap of +65. I have been analysing some of the previous race data and have found that it is extremely rare to win races once your handicap exceeds 55. It has only been done a couple of other times in the last 200 races! (I will have more to say about this later!) Mat Grey completed the podium with some super consistent results.

Sundays sailing will be a DF 95 scratch series at Montrose  at 10:00. Next Wednesday’s handicap at the dam will be for IOM’s.

John S

Mill-pond calm conditions greeted sailors this morning, but a northerly draught of about 5 knots obliged right on starting time allowing us to get sailing underway.

Unfortunately this wind had died to all but a zephyr by the fifth race and during the lunch break it left us altogether.  The majority opinion was to ‘call it a day’ with only five races sailed.

Richard Fisher took out the mini-series with two wins. Rod Jackman claimed second place with some remarkable sailing from the back marker position. Phil Jackman (three 2nd places) completed the podium.

Thanks to Andrew Wardrop and John Murrell who took on PRO duties for the day.

Next Sunday the Marblehead Southern Championships will be held at Montrose and next Wednesday’s sailing will be an IOM handicap trophy round.

John S

Quite a cold day today at MBYC. Wind chill down to freezing early. The Katabatic sending the icy air down from the central highlands cut through all 14 competitors.

Some indecision early, with a split of A and B rigs on the water, with a quick change for the B sailors to A rig after the first race, ad it was A's throughoutt he rest of the day.

The icy N-NW breeze gave us some good wave action as well, giving ample opportunity to surf downwind when we were fortunate enough to get hold of a wave properly. It also sorted the experienced bigger wave skippers with timing the tacks intot he wind at just the right moment. The quality of the field shone through, especially when yachts like yours truly, having great pace being found out with half a dozen small errors in a race, compared with few to none with the top skippers.

That said, the sailing amongst a fairly congested field was really enjoyable, made more so with a few eagle eyed observers checking proceedings and calling contacts when needed.

Thankyou's today go to John Cole-Cook for the Pro duties today, ably assisted by Lisa Blackwood and Les Hanson as observers, and Anne Cole-Cook on the finish line, taking down the finishing order. In all, a really good initial prep for the upcoming Nationals. Thank you all today for your effort in quite cold conditions.

It was also nice to see Jeremy's wife, Emily, and daughter, Maggie come along and watch the sailing today. Sorry we couldn't have had a warmer day for you, but it is great seeing you come along. The family friendly environment is what we continually strive for

Winner today, is Rod Jackman, who sailed superbly, with a worst recorded result being a 4th!! Rod finished on 19 points. Second, was Michael Hickman, on 24 points, also sailing extremely consistent. Third, on countback, was Stuart Dawes, on 26 points, edging out Chris Wood.

Handicap results favoured two of our newer skippers today (although extremely experienced in the larger species). Jeremy Fish took out the handicap today with a 6 point differential (5th overall, seeded 11th), with Rishard Fisher coming in a very close second with a 5 point differential (7th overall, seeded 12th), and Rod Jackman - 4 point differential (1st overall, seeded 5th) and Mathew Gray - 4 point differential (6th overall, seeded 10th) tied for 3rd on handicap

This coming Wednesday is DF95Handicap, at Risdon Brook Dam, and next Sunday is the RM Southern Championship. We currently have 8 entries. Although closed on Friday, late entries would certainly be considered, but please get them in as soon as possible. 

This coming Friday (2nd July) is also the close for entries in the Marblehead Southern Championship on the 11th July. Entry fees to be paid, as per NoR, by bank transfer if at all possible.

Memberships for 2021/22 are now due. Thank you to everyone who have paid so far. We only have a few left to catch up with, which is really appreciated.

There have been a few questions with DF95 rules, pertaining to sail material and alterations/repairs. I will shortly send out another email with the check list that was used at the last DF95 Nationals as well as a decisive interpretation on sail material, as it seems there has been some confusion with reported DQ's in the US.