A very chilled/relaxed day today for the six skippers who turned up to have a sail today.

Initially, the Derwent was glassed out and we were waiting for some semblance of a breeze to fill in. This happened a bit after 1pm and we soon had boats on the water. The first race had all the IOM's change up to a B Rig, with Lisa going back to change her sails and Kyle opting to keep his full rig on the A Class Blister. Unfortunately, we lost Phil with a broken stay, so he shared skipper duties with Kyle so he could get a feel of his new A Class boat.

After finishing the first race, Kyle quickly went ashore and changed over to the B Main (only took 3 races to change and tune on shore before returning to the action).

In the 15-20 knot breeze, the A Class boats had a clear advantage over the B Rigged IOM's. That said, all three IOM's also showed very impressive speed, but just lacked the sail area. Both classes of yachts were regularly planing downwind in some extremely enjoyable conditions.

Although saying that the "A's" had a clear advantage, both A's missed 3 races each with rig changes etc, which proved the difference. 

Ray Joyce had a really consistent day, with all counted races on the podium, a well deserved winner of the day on 11 points.
Also with a card full of podiums, Stuart Dawes took out second place, two behind Ray on 13 points.
In third, two further behind, was team Kyle & Phil on 15 points.

Seasons greetings from the Committee
On behalf of the committee, we would like to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. There have been a few challenges this last year, both at the club and with the health of members. We truly believe the club itself is in a much better position at the close of this season than it was at the start - acknowledging that we do believe we were in a pretty good position at the start of the year as well - we do feel we have moved forward in a positive way. Club finances are healthy, allowing us to further add to the club's assets and prepare our venues to better suit sailing for all.
We are excited about the upcoming Nationals in February - currently taking up a lot of committee and volunteer time to try to make sure it is at least equal to our last nationals in 2018. The new launch pontoon at Montrose is under construction and should be ready for use mid-January. Acknowledgement must go to Glenorchy City Council and Dan Hunter for their work in getting us to this stage - as well as the hard working members of the committee and general membership who have worked hard both on the project itself, but also behind the scenes with applicatios for funding via various government agencies.
After the nationals is completed, we aim to update our strategic plan, which has been instrumental in targetting our focus in the last 5 years. Without this plan, we may not have been so successful in improving our facilities. We have a new rescue boat at Montrose, new motor for the rescue boats, both at Montrose and at Risdon Dam. We have our Defib available at all sail days, and there is the significant upgrade happening at the competition area at Montrose. Positive steps for our future at both Montrose and Risdon Dam.

Coming up

A little bit of a break now, with christmas on Wednesday and no sailing next Sunday, so our next sail day will be on New Years Day, with DF95 Handicap at the dam from 11am.

The following Sunday, 5th January will be the resumption of sailing with IOM Scratch. We plan to have a season opening BBQ prior to this at 12, along with 2024 award presentations, and then proceeding with a 3hr sail session at the conclusion of the BBQ and presentations, so the day may go a little longer than the normal 4pm, depending on button press for the first race. Please put this into your calendars as it would be fantastic to see a well attended presentation and first Sunday sail day of the year.

Kyle

There was a good turnout of 15 skippers for today’s IOM handicap racing at Risdon Brook Dam. A dying Northerly was competing with a light sea-breeze for most of the day with neither wind establishing itself nor getting much above 4 or 5 knots. Along with its in-decisiveness came some fairly major windshifts which kept the skippers on their toes.

Peter Sylvester was expecting to be too late to sailing as he had an appointment this morning but skipped quickly through it and presented himself without boat but willing to be the PRO today. Thanks very much Peter.

The scoreboard today features good performances from skippers right across the handicap spectrum. All skippers who finished the full complement of races managed to get to the podium at least once and the first ten skippers each got there twice. This is very much how the handicap system is meant to work. – If the handicaps are fair then most skippers should be able to get to the podium a couple of times.

Third place today went to John Hall who seemed to get away a bit and was hard to hunt down. First and second were tied on points with both Ricky Price and Rod Jackman sitting on 24 points. Both had one race win but Ricky took out the day by virtue of a second place in his tally. Well sailed Ricky, Rod and John.

Today was our last Wednesday handicap sail  for this year. Next Wednesday is Christmas day and there will be no sailing. The Wednesday after that will be New Year’s Day and there will be handicap racing for DF95’s at Risdon Brook Dam. (11:00 button)

Our final sail for this year though will be a bring-any-boat-that-you-like day at Montrose this Sunday afternoon. (Start about 1:00).

And to all those who can’t make it on Sunday – Best wishes for an enjoyable Christmas day and for the year ahead.

Shorty

​What a beautiful day for sailing today.

Initially, the fourteen skippers turned up and set up their A Rigs for the first race. Befre we even got a start though, the wind stiffened to around 15 knots and we all went to our B Rigs.

Once we got started, we were treated to some wonderful conditions. The wind had some great shifts and those concentrating on them were hansomely rewarded as the day went on. A few races with some weed, but overall, it was a great day to sail and the skippers were very well behaved for much of the day.

We were fortunate to have our northern members sail with us today - thanks again Murray and Ted for travelling down to sail with us.

Andrew came along to watch as well, having planned to watch the skiffs on TV in the afternoon, but was gracious enough to hang around and Pro the day for us. That was very appreciated Andrew - thank you.

We got 11 races in today, and was fantastic with some tight starts with 14 on the water.

Charging out f the blocks early was Lisa, reeling off a few ins and a trio of seconds in the first five races. No surprise in the end with a round win on 14 points.

Ten points behind was Michael Hickman, with Rod Jackman enjoying a return to form in third on 38 points.

In Silver Fleet, Ted Stevens was the standout today, with 14 points. Ricky Price took second on 21 with John Short rounding out the three on 24 points.

That concluded the formal scratch racing for this year, and results will be tallied for our presentations.


Coming up

We were going to hold our end of year presentations and BBQ next Sunday, but seems to be a number of people unavailable given it is so close to christmas - lesson learned for us that maybe it should have been today instead. We will postpone the presentations until our return in the new year on January 5th. That said, we will still have a sail day next Sunday with any boat you wish to bring along. I hear a few "A's" will be coming along as well.

This coming Wednesday will be Mid Week IOM Handicap at the dam, button press at 1pm.

Kyle

It was blowing a good 25+ knots when we arrived at Risdon Brook Dam today and there was plenty of discussion as to whether or not we should be sailing. Eventually the consensus was to give it a go and so nine skippers took to the water all with C rigs for the morning’s IOM handicap racing. In fact the yachts handled the conditions well and the skippers did a good job too by giving consideration to the conditions and keeping a good margin between boats. 

A special honorable mention goes to Dave Woolley who sailed very creditably throughout the day in the rough conditions. His effort in Race 7 was particularly noteworthy when, after starting late - 25seconds after his start time, he held his position well but was in third spot rounding the final gate. Dave pulled off a coup out-sailing a couple of our best skippers home to win the race.

The wind did die considerably over lunch. Lisa was the only skipper who changed and sailed the afternoon with her B-rig. She consequently won the last three races back-to-back and won the day easily. It does need to be said that Lisa was already well ahead on points before the lunch break and her scorecard reflects a totally deserved win. Even her discards were 4th placings.

Second place went to Ricky Price who didn’t win a race today but consistently finished at the head of the fleet. And third today went to Commadore Rod Marshall with two race wins and a second on his scorecard. Well sailed Rod, Ricky and Lisa!

I think that all the skippers enjoyed taking on the tough conditions today and that’s what it is all about!

Coming up:
Sunday’s sailing at Montrose will be the final IOM scratch race for the year. (1:00 button).

As far as our Wednesday handicap sailing for the rest of the year is concerned we have the following to look forward to:
Next Wednesday (18th Dec) will be IOM handicap racing (11:00 button).
The Wednesday after that will be Christmas Day and there will be no sailing.
Then will follow Wednesday 1st Jan – New Year’s Day which will be a DF95 handicap sail day. As it is understandable that not all skippers will be able to attend this event, the week will not count towards the 2025 DF95 trophy. Our first trophy scoring points event for DF95 will be held in February.


Shorty  

​A small fleet of six today at the dam for the final round of the DF Scratch Series. With the wind at home, I was pretty sure it would be called off at the dam, but the wind there was not as heavy. That said, it was still close to 30 knots at times - but then almost becalmed moments later.

One silly skipper thought he'd re-check his C rig in preparation and had it all rigged and set up at home, only to forget to bring the rig bag, so C was his only choice today (wonder who that was). At least it wasn't as bad as the week when I brought along my DF65 bag instead of the DF95 one.

Anyway, after the first race in a mix of B and C rigs, we chose to all have C's for fairness and that continued through to race 6, where the wind lightened right off and A Rigs were put on.

That was OK for race 6, but race 7 didn't quite finish in time and we had another 30+ knot squall come through, which de-masted one of the yachts.

After the completion of the 7 races, it was fairly obvious who the winner was going to be on the day.

Congrats to Stuart Dawes, for a great day out, winning with just 8 points. Lisa Blackwood came second with 15 points and Ray Joyce rounded out the top three with 19 points.

John Short was the lone Silver Fleet skipper today, and although having to drop a 2 (with his de-masting), sailed quite well in trying conditions.

Coming Up

Wednesday will see the resumption of IOM Mid Week Handicap with the last round of the IOM Handicap Shield. Button press at 11am.

Next Sunday is the last round of IOM Scratch at Montrose, button at 1pm

Kyle

​An excellent field of 18 IOM's today at the combined Don Ash Classic IOM Shield and IOM Woodie Regatta at Trevallyn Dam - Co-Hosted by Northern Tasmania Radio Yacht Club and Risdon Brook Radio Yacht Club. Fantastic that we had representation from RBRYC, Forcett Lakes, NTRYC and NWTRYC.

Inclement weather early with showers and light winds, but our northern co-hosts had our comfort in mind with two gazeebo's set up to keep us dry and warm - thanks guys.

With such a strong turnout, we elected to run the two classes separately, with stanza's of two races at a time between the Classics and Woodie IOM's. Personally, I think this worked really well and added to the relaxed atmosphere of the day. Sail a few races, and have a break for a few - with the exception of two skippers who sailed in both classes.

Thanks also to Peter Webberley and Rod Marshall - for bringing up a second yacht each for other sailors to join in.

After a quick briefing from Co-PRO's Ted (Woodie Pro) and Kyle (Classic Pro), we got under way with the Classics. The light weather made for slow races, but we got in 7 (4 classic, 3 woody) before stopping for a lunch break - with the BBQ calling for us.

A light hearted lunch break for about 30 minutes before we got back in to racing. By this time, the clouds had dissipated and the sun came out, quickly pushing the mid 20's in temperature (as well as a sharp sting to the sun itself). We got a nice 6 knot or so breeze as well.

The day was completed after 8 races for each class, and we soon gathered for the presentations.

Conduct on the day was first rate. Many of us made mistakes, and quickly went about our turns no matter if it was called by someone else or self elected - a great example to continue to strive for.

Calling out the Woodie results first - I made a small accounting error and erroneusly announced the top three. They were provisional results.......
Winner of the woodies today was Lisa Blackwod on 17 points - a very consistent day today.
Second, by just one point was Kyle Stewart on 18 points - Handicap hurt after stringing three podiums in a row.
Third place was Ricky Price on 24 points.

Well done to all competitors.

In the Classics division, we presented the new Don Ash Shield. Don was been a long time member and has been very active at Forcett with the Classic IOM's. Don passed recently and we chose to honour his memory in the creation of this shield. It is envisaged that we will have multiple sail days into the future to count towards the Shield - and next year will have events in the north and south of the state. This shield will recognise both Older Classic IOM's up to hull #1000 and newer Classics from #1001 to #1500, with some leeway allowed as appropriate by the organisers.

Overall, Ted Stevens won the day in his Modern Classic Mad Max on 15 points. Very fast all day - still able to get a 2nd after being handicapped out to 35 seconds.
Peter Webberly was overall 2nd with his Older Classic TS-2, just one behind on 16 points.
Peter Turner rounded out the  overall top 3 with his Modern V5, on 21 points.

For the Modern side of the class, Ted Stevens won and is first name on the newly minted Don Ash Shield, with Peter Turner second and Peter Dutton third.

The Classic side of the class was won by Peter Webberley - also to be named on the shield, with John Hall taking second and Colin Hills in third. Of note, 2, 3 and 4 in the Classic IOM's were all tied and had to be separated on countback.

Thanks everybody for turning up on a pretty dreary start to the day. We were hansomely rewarded by the change (for the better) in the weather and finished up having an absolute cracking day's sailing.

Kyle

There was a warm North-Westerly blowing down the dam, the skies were sunny and the temperature was nudging 26 degrees for today’s DF95 handicap event at Risdon Brook Dam. Most of the skippers were delaying their rig-up this morning in order to make the right choice. There was a lot of discussion over whether we should be using A or B rigs with nearly all opting for B in the end. In fact, the discussion should have been between using B or C-rigs as some genuinely strong gusts came through by start time. Only John Hall got it right by suiting up a C-rig and he peeled off the first two races with back-to-back wins (but in doing so dashed his handicap for the rest of the day.)
 
Choosing the right rig was important early in the day and a few of the skippers found that they had used three different rigs by the start of race four. By the afternoon things had steadied a bit and A-rigs were used throughout the afternoon.
 
There did seem to be quite a bit of weed about today and most skippers fell foul of it at some time. It is hard to explain this as we have had a generally good year as far as weed is concerned and even in recent weeks there has been none to report.
 
Andrew Wardrop officiated the DF95 day and as usual set excellent courses and kept the day moving well allowing us to finish the full complement of 10 races. Andrew was assisted by Commodore Rod Marshall who was able to count us in for starts when we found that both our usual start box and the back-up were not working. Nice, clear and loud speaking voice Rod! – Thanks to both Rod and Andrew.
 
Rod has just purchased Gerald Stephens DF95 gear and so we should soon see him on the water as our DF95 fleet builds.
 
At lunch time Andrew unfortunately sat on a nest of bull-ants provoking them into action. Only one sting! I did suggest that he should take off his pants to check that there were no others lurking in there, but a class of school kids were passing buy so Andrew kindly spared us all! On a serious note though - this incident could have been much, much worse and it definitely pays to check the ground when you are sitting down at the dam. Or, bring a chair to enjoy your lunch in lesuire.
 
Overall: Third place today went to Ian Hey who had a mixed morning but finished the day with the magic of winning the last race. Second went to Jammy Jones who went 3-2-1 in the first three races and then was pretty consistent throughout the rest of the day. I managed to win today with consistent places and luckily no weed!
 
COMING UP:
This weekend many of our skippers are heading to Launceston for the Classics day. A reminder on the start time - 1030 and not 10 as previously advertised. Bring your $3 entry and please let Kyle know that you intend to cmpete for catering purposes.
For those who are staying South, Sunday's racing is a DF95 scratch event at Risdon Brook Dam. (1:00 button-press).
Next week's handicap racing at Risdon Brook Dam is for IOM’s and will be the last ‘Handicap Sheild’ event for the year. (11:00 button-press)
 
Shorty