DF65/DF95 Invitational Day

What a day today for the Hobart Show Day Holiday.

Spring has brought about the wind, and we sailed today in excess of 20 knots for much of the day - but back to the beginning.

Some time ago, it was suggested to the committee that we could have an Invitation Day for other sailors to come and have a sail at Risdon Brook Dam. We have had an explosion of DF sailors in the last year or so, with some of the local yacht clubs introducing the class, as well as the continued popularity and enthusiasm at Puddleduck on Tuesdays along with new DF group at Orford.

We extended an invitation out far and wide, to hopefully encompass all who would be interested in coming along for a sail and certainly got a positive reponse. 

Twenty three DF65 sailors (across 4 clubs) and sixteen DF95 sailors (across two clubs) along for the day in the rather windy conditions.

We had a handicap session for the DF65 class initially, with visitors earning a scratch start, and local members handicapped up to 40 seconds accordingly.

After an initial briefing on the days activities as well as expectations on the course, we were soon away and completed 6 races in the allotted two hour time period to lunch time. Given the handicapped starts, a field of 23 on the water wasn't too bad and almost every start got away nice and clean. Everyone sailed A Rigs as most of our visitors had A only and we wanted to keep everything equal between sailors.

At the end of the racing, DSS Member, John Penman came away with the win on the day with 13 points. Scores of 1, 2, 3, 3, 4 showed he had a fantastic grasp of sailing in over-powered conditions. Congratulations on the win.

Second place, on 16 points, was Stuart Dawes. Only recently purchased his DF65, but sailing just as strong as he has done for many years in the DF95 class. 1, 2, 2, 4, 7 also excellent results amongst 23 sailors.

Rounding out the top three was Phil Turnbull on 25 points, bookending his day with podium finishes.

Overall, the day was thoroughly enjoyed, with many skippers not having sailed in such strong conditions or rough water.

Following the DF65 racing, we retired for a BBQ Lunch and socialising.

After lunch, the DF95's came out for their couple of hours sailing. We managed to get 8 races in with this class, and many DF65 sailors without a DF95 stayed behind to watch. Many generous RBRYC members soon took a step back and gave their transmitters to those watching in order to enjoy how the DF95 sailed. B and A Rig was used across the eight races.

Stu Dawes was the winner of the DF95's today. Four wins taking him to a total of 10 points. A very consistent day today in both classes.

Second was Lisa Blackwood, two behind on 12. Six of the eight races were second places - cannot be much more consistent than that. Fantastic racing in the conditions.

Third place was Richard Fisher on 17 points. Also very consistent with four podium places in the eight races.

Well done to all sailors today, for such an enjoyable days sailing. Fantastic effort to all the organisers, volunteers and others who helped our guests with some tuning advice. I risk missing somebody, so please don't get upset if I have. The likes of John Short, Rod Marshall, Lisa Blackwod, John Cole-Cook, Ray Joyce, Peter Sylvester, Ian Hey, Ricky Price and the others that I am sure to have failed to mention put in significant time and effort to make the day a success. Setting up, organising supplies, welcoming our visitors, cooking the BBQ and of course packing up at the end of the day.

Linked here is some video kindly taken by Ray Joyce of an example of the conditions we sailed in today.

I have also attached some phots below, taken by Ray and Ian Hey
 
Coming Up:
 
Saturday and Sunday: A Class State Championships at Montrose. (10:15 briefing for a 10:30 button press) Enter online if you havn’t already.
 
Next Wednesday: More IOM handicap at Risdon Brook Dam (11:00 button press)
 
Kyle