The 2016 Tasmanian State IOM Regatta was sailed in what can only be described as testing conditions. The BOM forecast was for 15 to 25 knot northerlies strengthening to 20 to 30 knots and swinging to the northwest by noon, however with the Brook in the lee of Mt Direction, this was a recipe for some challenging racing with plenty of shifts and a few holes. It was quite warm for Hobart at this time of the year with mid 20’s temperatures and with colder water temperatures, the wind wasn’t “sticking to the water” as Bucko from 18 Footers TV would suggest, adding to the fluky and variable conditions. Prior to racing, wind strength was around the 10 knot mark or there abouts, stronger in the puffs, giving skippers the dilemma of rig choice. Wisely, all skippers opted for the No. 2 Rig. The course was pretty much a windward leeward affair around the cans a couple of laps, with a leeward gate before a relatively short windward beat to the finish, but this proved to be a critical leg with race leaders succumbing to the shifts and snatching mid fleet finishes from the jaws of line honours on several occasions. The wind strengthened as predicted and most skippers were forced to change down to C Rig as wind strengths were a bit more than modelled with 25 to 35 knots providing some spectacular and fast racing. The final run down to the gate was around 200m and in the conditions, was only taking boats around 90 seconds to cover keeping skippers “on their toes” keeping up. At times even the C Rigs were hard pressed with bows burying in the decent waves that also provided plenty of downwind surfing. With the extreme conditions there were a few retirements with minor gear failures  or lack of C Rigs.
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Sixteen races were completed for the day and after the first drop, Ray Joyce led the fleet with 6 points from Michael Hickman on 9 points. In third place was Lisa Blackwood on 10 points with Rod Jackman and Wayne Behrens rounding out the top 5, both on 11 points. After the second drop and 2 seconds and 2 wins, Michael Hickman led the fleet with 11 points from Peter Darcey notching up a couple of wins to take second spot with 15 points. Rod Jackman moved up the leader board to third place with 20 points, while Ray Joyce was relegated to fourth place on 25 points, on countback from Andrew Wardrop rounding out the top 5. The final 8 races saw the final top three skippers fight it out in a ding dong battle. Michael threw down the gauntlet though with an impressive 5 wins and 2 second places with Peter Darcey sailing consistently with a win, 3 second places and a third place, and Rod Jackman also in the mix with a win, 3 seconds and a third as well. Final results and there was no doubt to who had won the event. Michael Hickman gave a master class in extreme sailing conditions to take out the event with 20 points, streets ahead of second place Peter Darcey on 32 points who was comfortably clear of third place Rod Jackman on 42 points.

​Next Wednesday is IOM only handicap racing while Thursday sees Round 3 of the DF95 Twilight Series at MBYC from 4:30 PM. Next Sunday is Round 2 of the IOM Summer Scratch Series with racing from 1:00 PM. The following weekend is the 2016 IOM State Championships so if you intend to compete, don't forget to get your entries in.

Till the next button press, wet sails.

​Stuart Dawes (PRO).

Fine weather greeted the seventeen skippers in attendance for the mid week racing with 9 skippers competing in the IOM Handicap Series and 8 skippers with their pocket rockets for the DF95 Scratch Series. While the wind was a consistent 8 to 12 knot NNW'er on the river, it was an inconsistent 5 to 10 knot "everywhere-elser" Swiss breeze on the Brook with many a frustrating hole and a few pieces of weed to raise the frustration levels. PRO for the day was last week's winner Rod Jackman.

​In the IOM fleet, Denis Lees got the ball rolling taking line honors in Race 1 from second placed Rob Cooney and third placed Alan McKenzie. Race 2 saw back to back wins for Denis, likewise for Rob with another second and Rod Marshall filling the third podium spot. Rod sailed well in Race 3 to take the gun from John Smith second across the line and Stu Harris sailing into third place. David Murfet made all the right moves in Race 4, taking victory from John Hall and Stu Harris in second and third place respectively. John did one better in the final race, Race 5, with David settling for second place and John Smith sailing well to take third place.

Final results for the IOM's saw Rob Cooney take the win by 1 point from John Hall in second place, on countback from David Murfet in third place, both on 14 points. Fourth place was just 1 point behind as was a countback for fifth and sixth.

​The DF95 fleet started on scratch after the IOM's with Chris Wood taking line honours in Race 1 from Andrew Wardrop in second place and Anthony Castray finishing third. David Jones took the gun in Race 2 from Chris sailing consistently for a second place and the Silver Fox, Peter Darcy cunning enough to take third spot. Back to back firsts and seconds for Jammy and Chris respectively in Race 3 with yours truly finally getting it together with a podium finish in third place. Race 4 saw a cardinal sin from No. 39, not paying attention after taking the gun and ending up infringing Andrew before he finished. This promoted Wayne Behrens to take the win from Darcy in second place and Anthony in third place. I vindicated myself in the final race and stayed well clear of the rest of the finishing fleet to take the win from Darcy in second place and Jammy with a third podium for the day in third place.

​Final results for the DF's and a comfortable 2 point win for Chris Wood, even though he had to leave early, from second place Peter Darcy on 11 points and Jammy Jones in third place just 1 point adrift.

​Next Sunday is the IOM State Regatta but at this stage the number of entries is not great, so if you are planning to participate, get your entry in via the website. Late entries on the day will be accepted. Briefing is at 10:15 AM  and I will press the button for Race 1 at 10:30 AM.

Till then, wet sails.

​Stuart Dawes

Round 1 of the Marblehead Summer Series and it was more like winter with a cool south to south westerly breeze of up to around 10-12 knots and variable between A and B Rigs with a few holes here and there, plenty of shifts and passing opportunities. Only six skippers fronting for the day and PRO duties set to "honesty mode". Course was a bog standard windward leeward but mixed up a bit with around the "box" for some races and "cross over" for others dependent on the wind at the time. Racing was close all day and twelve races were completed.

​Final results and it went down to the wire with Lisa Blackwood taking victory for the day on countback with 4 wins from yours truly with 3 wins, both of us on 22 points and third place going to Ray Joyce with 3 wins as well and 25 points.

​Next Wednesday is combined IOM Handicap and DF95 scratch racing, and the following Sunday is the IOM State Regatta with briefing at 10:15 AM and racing from 10:30 AM. I will be taking the reins as PRO for the day.

Til then, wet sails.

​Stuart Dawes

Another solid fleet of 16 IOM's fronted for the mid-week Handicap Series. Conditions were quite good for racing with a solid but variable 10 to 12 knot NNW'er, however the rest of the "weather" was hit and miss with sunny conditions between a few showers including a bit of hail, forcing postponement of a couple of races and skippers taking to vehicles for the duration. PRO for the day was Wayne Behrens who, after announcing the handicaps, got racing underway around 11:20.

​Race 1 line honours went to the Commodore David Murfet with John Deegan second and backmarker Rod Jackman filling third spot on the podium. Race 2 saw a good win for rookie IOM skipper Rod Marshall take the gun from backmarker David Jones second and anther podium for Rod Jackman in third place. Darcy made all the right moves after starting at the back and took the win from Jammy again in second place and a hat trick of thirds for Rod Jackman. John Smith started off scratch in Race 4 and didn't let the fleet catch him, taking the gun from John Banks in second and Mr Consistency Rod Jackman with yet another third place. Race 5 saw recent retiree John Hall grab a win from David Jones notching up another second place and John Banks rounding out the podium. The final race for the series, Race 6 went to Jammy Jones with yet another podium from Sir Rodney in second spot and John Smith holding off the rest of the fleet to take third place.

​Final results and no surprises as to who won then Plank Trophy. Rod Jackman clear winner with 14 points from John Hall in second place with 17 points and David Jones rounding out the top three, on countback from John Banks, both on 24 points.

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Round 2 of the DF95 Twilight Series at Montrose Bay saw a small fleet of 6 boats revel in a solid northerly of around 12 to 15 knots. Those with C Rigs tried them out but these remarkable yachts showed they could handle the B Rig just as well in the conditions. The course was a simple windward leeward course of two laps, the top half of the course in more sheltered waters in the lee of the point and jetty while the more exposed bottom half of the course provided plenty of down wind surfing to the bottom mark. Apart from the six competing skippers, there was a few other spectators including Ken Dobbie and pooch, new member Geoff Mathews who with only his A Rig did not sail, and Lisa Blackwood who took the controls of Kyle Stewart's boat and I think has been "sold" on these little performers. Also competing was Kyle's friend, Ken Wong who with a little more practice, will be on the podium I'm sure. Once again, there was some spectacular "ocean racing" conditions after the arrival of the Mona Ferry, albeit for only a few minutes.

​Race 1 and I notched up the first win of the day with Lisa second and Peter Darcy finishing in third place. Race 2 and another win for No. 39 with Darcy improving his score with a second place and Andrew Wardrop finishing in third spot. A hat trick for yours truly in Race 3 with Darcy notching up another second place and Lisa on the podium again in third place. Lisa took her first DF95 victory in Race 4 with Wayne Behrens across the line in second place and a third place for myself. Those on C Rig took advantage of the break to change up to B Rig. With his B Rig on, Wayne Behrens took the gun in Race 5 from Peter Darcy in second place and third place for yours truly. Race 6 saw another win for Lisa with No. 39 across the line in second place and Andrew rounding out the podium places. Race 7 saw another win for No. 39 with Wayne on the podium in second spot and Andrew with another third place. Race 8 saw line honours go to Lisa again with Wayne finishing in second place and myself on the podium in third place. The final race for the afternoon saw a win for the Silver Fox, Peter Darcy from second place Wayne Behrens and Lisa over the line in third place.

​Final results and a comfortable 3 point win for yours truly despite a broken Jib attachment right at the start of the last race, with Lisa finishing in second place with 15 points and Wayne in third place overall with 17 points.

​While Lisa took the controls of Kyle's boat, Kyle took some photo's and shot some video of the races which have been uploaded to this website under News> Photo's and Videos, to YouTube and to Face Book.

​Next Sunday is Round 1 of the Marblehead Summer Series with racing from 1:00 PM, and the following Sunday is the IOM State Regatta with briefing at 10:15 AM and racing from 10:30 AM.

Till then, wet sails.

​Stuart Dawes.

The 2016 Tasmanian Marblehead Championships were held over the weekend with conditions on Day 1 a complete contrast from Day 2. Conditions on Saturday started out just about ideal with mid 20's temperatures and a solid top end B to C Rig breeze of around 10 to 15 knots for Race 1, however the prevailing NNW'er increased steadily throughout the day and after the first few races, changing down to the smallest rig was a necessity. Racing for the day was abandoned after Race 7 when a 45 knot plus bullet lifted spray and placed boats and equipment at risk of damage. At the end of Day 1, I held a 3 point lead with 10 points from Michael Hickman in second place on countback from John Hall, both on 13 points.

​Day 2 started out cool and overcast with a light NNW'er and maximum sail area the only choice. Conditions fluctuated throughout the day with times when the breeze increased enough for B Rig, only to drop out again resulting in rig changes back to A. The last few races saw the wind swing around to the south. Fifteen races were completed for the day making the championship a 22 race event.

​Final results and it was back to back titles for yours truly on 45 points with John Hall runner up with 49 points and Michael Hickman finishing in third place overall, 1 point behind John with 50 points. Racing was close all weekend with 5 out of the 7 skippers competing taking line honours. A big thank you to those that assisted with PRO duties.

​Next Wednesday is IOM Handicap racing, Thursday is Round 2 of the DF95 Twilight Series at MBYC from 4:30 PM and the following Sunday is Round 2 of the Marblehead summer series from 1:00PM. Also a reminder that the IOM State Regatta is on Sunday 30th October and to get your entries in.

Till the next button press, wet sails.

​Stuart Dawes

The inaugural DF95 Twilight Series was held at Montrose Bay last Thursday in fluky northwest winds up to around 10 knots or so, with most skippers opting for the A Rig and one or two choosing the B Rig. A modest turnout for the first of the series with 6 boats hitting the water under the direction of PRO Rod Marshall. With the bouys set in a simple windward leeward course, racing commence a little after 4:30 PM with Race 1 being a "test" and a short 1 lap affair and the remaining races extended to 2 laps of the course. Eight races were completed for the series.

​Andrew Wardrop had the honour of notching up the very first race win at Montrose with yours truly second and Peter Darcy third. The same three podium placers in Race 2 with a reversal of first and second and Darcy with another third place. Andrew fought back in Race 3 with yours truly second and Darcy on a hat trick of thirds. It was blow for blow in Race 4 with No. 39 taking the win, Darcy improving his results with a second and Andrew settling for a third place. Race 5 saw a double for myself with Mike Holbrook getting in the mix with a second and Andrew sailing consistently and on the podium again in third spot. Race 6 saw Darcy take the gun from Kyle Stewart in second place and consistent sailing saw Andrew on the podium yet again. Race 7 line honours went to yours truly with Darcy finishing in second place and Kyle with his second podium of the day in third place. The final race and another win for No. 39 with Andrew finishing in second place and Darcy rounding out the podium in third place.

​Final results saw a comfortable win for myself on 7 points from second place Andrew Wardrop with 12 points, 2 points ahead of Peter Darcy on 14 points.  The afternoon was enjoyed by all skippers and the "new" venue proved its potential as an alternative venue for Radio Sailing. One unique aspect of Montrose Bay is when the Mona ferry makes landing at Mona. Several minutes afterwards the bow waves come ashore in what can only be described as a series of mini tsunamis of around half to three quarters of a metre in height, creating a nice point break off the point, and some very lumpy water once the wave rebounds of the sea wall. At scale it was mountainous seas for the DF's and some nice "rides" if you time your runs with the incoming waves.

​Sunday was Opening Day for MBYC and a healthy turnout of Risdon Brook skippers added to the potential of the day. The weather was however, not so amenable. With a solid northerly of 20 to 30 knots, only one MBYC 420 ventured out into the conditions for a short "survival" exercise and after returning to shore, MBYC cancelled the Sail Past and the afternoon's race. With the difficulties of setting the marks in the conditions and a few teething problems with the new marks (the weights were not adequate for the conditions), racing for Radio Sailing was abandoned as well, although a few skippers showed the "Big Boats" how resilient radio yachts are in heavy weather, donning their B and C Rigs and frolicking in the heavy conditions with a casual sail around. Despite no racing, the day was still a success with many of the MBYC members showing great interest in the dozen or so IOM's, DF65's and 95's and solitary Marblehead on display, and many of Risdon's members making positive comment on Montrose as a venue for Radio Sailing

​Next Wednesday is combined IOM/DF95 racing. Next weekend is the Marblehead State Championships at Risdon Brook with Saturday's briefing at 11:15 AM and racing from 11:30 AM. Access to the lower ring road on Saturday is NOT​ permitted before 10:30 AM due to other community events at the park. Sunday is the usual 10:15 AM briefing and 10:30 AM button press. If you haven't entered yet, please do so!

Til then, wet sails.

​Stuart Dawes

A solid fleet of 14 boats on the water for Round 1 of the IOM Scratch Series. With Daylight Savings kicking in and a forecast 10 to 20 knot variable northerly, anticipation for some good B Rig racing was quickly quashed with rather benign but tricky conditions of 1 to 5 knots from almost every point of the compass but tending northwesterly around to the SSW. With the fluky conditions, setting a course was a bit of a headache but we managed to get 10 races completed. PRO duties were a la the rota method with yours truly kicking things off for Race 1.

​In form skipper Rodney Jackman took line honours in the first, closely pursued by Michael Hickman and David Jones to round out the podium. Lisa Blackwood stole the show in Race 2 with Matt Gray in the mix with a second place and the Silver Fox up there as well with a solid third. Race 3 saw a solid win for Michael Hickman with Jammy on the podium again as too Lisa with a third spot. Race 4 and yet another winner with Peter Sylvester taking the gun from Lisa sailing well in the conditions and yours truly taking third place. After the first drop, Lisa held a 1 point lead over Michael on 7 points, with Jammy in third place on countback from Darcy, both on 11 points and Matty Gray rounding out the top 5 with 13 points.

​Race 5 saw another win from Lisa with Rod settling for second place and a third place for Wasabi. Michael Hickman notched up his second win for the day in Race 6 with Lisa not giving an inch in second place and Jammy sailing well with a third placing. Race 7 saw a win for Wasabi with the Silver Fox close behind in second and John Hall on the podium in third place. Another winner with Wayne Behrens taking the gun in Race 8 with Michael on the podium again in second place and Darcy also sailing well with a solid third. After the second drop, Michael held a 2 point lead over Lisa on 15 points, Darcy in third place with 20.9 points, Wasabi in fourth place on 23.4 points and Jammy rounding out the top five with 26.7 points.

​Chris Wood took line honours in Race 9 with Rod Jackman on the podium for only the third time in second place and David Jones sailing consistently in third place for his fourth podium of the day. The final race for the day saw one of the masters of a fickle Brook, Michael Hickman take the gun from Matty Gray having a solid race for second and Darcy capping off a good day with a third place.

​Final results and no surprises with odds on favorite Michael Hickman taking the day with 16.6 points, nautical miles ahead of Lisa Blackwood in second place and 30 points, just ahead of third placed Peter Darcy with 31.1 points.

​Wednesday is IOM Handicap racing. Next Sunday is Montrose Opening Day and the call goes out to all IOM and DF95 skippers to bring their boats, for some casual sailing and demonstrations. After the Sail Past there will be a 6 race scratch series for both IOM's and DF95's with the winners of each class receiving a Plonk Trophy. The day kicks off around 10:00 AM, the Sail Past is around 11:00 AM and both RBRYC and MBYC racing in the afternoon from around 1:00 PM.

Till the next button press, wet sails.

​Stuart Dawes.