DF95 and DF65 Scratch

​A small, but keen contingent along today for the DF95 and DF65 Scratch sailing. A different format today with 2.5hrs DF95 sailing (10-1230) and then 2.5hrs of DF65 sailing (1300-1530), which seemed to work really well.

It was noted that the smaller fleet was in some way due to our DSS friends having a Winter Series sail in the big boats, so we plan to keep this in mind and will try to avoid clashes where we can to maximise potential numbers on a sail day.

Ricky Price kindly volunteered to PRO the DF95 session – thanks Ricky and he had some tricky conditions for setting the most ideal course. We tried three in the 8 races, and all courses gave us ample opportunity with passing lanes as well as spotting good wind shifts about the place, so gave us lots of tactical options which really enhanced the day. Point really proven to me when I was sailing alongside Stu in a god close race. We were both luffed and I tacked off into there the wind was “in the now”, while Stu kept course and sailed through some absolute horrible nothings into a beautiful lift which separated us by at least 50m at the next mark. Tactical brilliance on show (just don’t let him know I said that).
 
We got 8 races in before it was time for the half time break and change to DF65 sailing.
 
By that time, it was no surprise to see Stu at the top of the leaderboard on just 7 points (bit harsh having to drop both his thirds…)
Lisa took a well deserved second, just 3 behind on 10 points.
I was a further 6 behind in third, on 16 points.

Silver fleet was dominated by John Hall, all counted races were wins, with a score of 6 (promotion coming soon John….)
Second place was Phil on 11 with Rod taking third on 14  points.
 
Over to DF65 and Ray took the role for PRO for their 11 races (nice work for a 19 race sail day).
 
We had visitors Andrew Roberts. Stuart Gordon and Peter Shields from the DSS today, who enjoyed the windy conditions, although a little short on enough rigs to take full advantage. It was great hearing some comments on their enjoyment with the ability to be able to pick wind shifts etc at the dam. Hopefully soon you’ll all want to sign up as members and enjoy many more sailing days with us.

To the racing, and with the wind varying from close to 20 knots and abating to 6 or so by the time I had to leave, there was a real mix of rigs used. Throughout the 6 that I was there for, we had used every rig in our grasp. A+, A, B and C. Stu and I suited up in C’s for the first three races, the DSS crew on A’s and the rest on B’s. From race 4, I took on a B and Stu went to an A+ due to some issues with his A.

Some really good racing – Andrew blasting out of the blocks in race 1, taking a win in his first race with us. Lisa had a great day with mostly podium finishes all session, finishing in first spot on 21 points.

Stu took second place, although not sailing the last two – taking second on countback on 26 points.

Andrew was defeated on countback, taking third place  by just 1 and with bragging rights with Stuart Gordon just 1 behind on 27.
 
Although light on numbers, it was a really enjoyable days sailing. Looking forward to the next one.
 
Coming up
 
Wednesday is IOM long distance handicap racing at Risdon Brook Dam. 10:30 button press.
Next Saturday is “David Murfett Memorial” IOM Woodies Round 2 at the Dam. Access to the dam from 10am and button press as soon as everyone is reasonably ready.
Next Sunday is IOM Winter Scratch at the dam, button press at 10am.
 
Kyle