DF95 Mid Week Handicap

With significant rain falling at the start of the first race and with the forecast of strong winds later the PRO’s Andrew Wardrop and Phil Jackman were keen to get through a few races quickly in case we had to curtail racing early today. Fortunately the rain eased and the wind was quite manageable with B rigs so we were able to sail to the day’s end and get our full complement of races completed. 
We welcomed visiting skipper Andrew Wallace who normally sails with the Seagull Lakes group near Geelong. This club sails DF65s and DF95s four days a week. Andrew found the waves a new experience today but enjoyed his sail.
The B rig was universal for the first race but in the tuning break that followed a couple of skippers up-suited to their A’s. It paid dividends straight off for John Hall who peeled off a win and a second but then the wind freshened just a knot or two which was just too much and both A-rigged skippers floundered a little until the lunch break.
There were three skippers who managed 1st place in two races. David Woolley won both the first and last race of the day. He is a much improved skipper this season as todays effort in challenging conditions proves. John Penman had a mixed day but managed back-to-back race wins early in the day. The other to win more than one race was Ian Hey who complemented his two race wins with a few other trips to the podium and earn himself second place overall. Heavy weather master Ray Joyce was of course hard to beat today and he took out third place overall. Ray’s boat speed sailing upwind with eased sheets is always remarkable. Jammy Jones took out the day without winning a race but sailing superbly and was consistently amongst the race leaders.
So many great efforts today! Congratulations Sheep, JP, Ray, Bodge and Jammy.


Coming up:
Saturday: A Class invitation - as previously emailed, we have an A Class invitation happening this Saturday at Trevallyn. We currently have four sailors heading up there to join in with the north and north west sailors for some enjoyable sailing. Our club A is available of anyone who would like to come up as well and for those with A's, please consider it if you have time available. Gates are opening at 10, so we are welcome from any time after then.
Sunday: Marblehead scratch racing at Montrose (1:00 button-press)
Next Wednesday: IOM Handicap Shield racing at Risdon Brook Dam (11:00 button press)