DF95 42 Degrees South Regatta

​Winter well and truly turned up today. Ice on the grass on the way to the dam. The thermometer didn't bother moving much, with the temps below 10C all day. All of a sudden, I didn't feel silly wearing the thermals....

Ten competitors braved the elements today. We initially wondered when we'd start with the dam exhibiting glass-like conditions. Stu was the brave one, putting his yacht in, and although it did look like glass, there was the faintest breeze on the water and that was enough for us to attempt a start.

From there, we had no delays through the day with the light breeze, but many did find the fickle conditons extremely hard. Knowing when to chase a breeze, or to take the shoreline was massive, with some of the fortunate (and quite likely also very skilled) ones making massive gains when it all lined up for them.

That said, the sailing was very close throughout, and at the lunch break, there was just 4 points separating second place through to sixth place.

The afternoon opened up somewhat, with the wind dying right off on us on the last race, just on time at 3.30, with 14 races completed.

At the end of the day, Mat Gray showed his absolute class with a resounding win (great preparation for the DF95 Nationals in early June) finishin with just 25 points. 

Stu Dawes came in second after a very strong set of races after lunch, on 36 points.

Ray Joyce rounded out the top three on 45 points.

We had Les Hanson sail today for the first time in years (I think), with Les normally taking on the PRO duties. Great to see him back on the water, and hope to see it regularly.

Big thanks to Rod Marshall for taking on the PRO duties. Always a difficult task with such variable winds as we had today. Your work is really appreciated.

Coming Up

Wednesday is IOM Mid Week Handicap, at the dam with button press at 11am

Next Sunday is IOM Scratch at the dam, button press at 10am, and following the normal finish at 1pm, a few of us are going to have a sail of the DF65's as a tune up for the nationals in early June

Kyle