DF95 Mid Week Handicap

A blusterly Nor-Wester greeted us when we arrived at the Dam today. The dozen DF95 skippers that fronted today universally opted for A-rigs in the morning and this was a good choice as there were many large calm holes and the A-rig gave the boats a little momentum. The rig was a handful in the gusts though! 0 – 20 knots of swirling wind would be a fair assessment of the morning’s conditions and things did not improve after lunch.

As PRO Rod Marshall was ushering us back on the water after the break a considerable gust made us re-asses the conditions, and all skippers went for their B-rigs. A good thing too! The wind raised its game and the last couple of races were held in pretty much survival conditions with gusts of up to 35 knots. The skippers who could maintain steerage down-wind while others nose-dived, pitch-poled or were washed onto the bank took podium honors in the last couple of races.

Testimony to how durable these little boats are is the fact that while the conditions for sailing were testing, the rescue dinghy did not have to be used and there did not seem to be any gear breakage today.

A huge thanks to Rod for keeping the sailing happening today.

On a day where nearly all of the skippers managed to find the podium at some time, third spot in the overall standings went to Ray Joyce. Consistency is always the secret to doing well in series racing and it was the experienced hands that came up with the goods today.
Second place went to Richard Fisher. It was great to see Richard back on the water today. Richard will be shortly heading to the UK to sail in the world DF95 titles. We all wish you the best for a great trip Richard, and know that you will represent us gallantly.

Today’s winner was the irrepressible Wayne Behrens, with a win, three seconds and two thirds on the tally sheet. Congratulations to you Buzzy and credit to all who matched the trying conditions of the day.

Coming up:

​Thursday - MBYC opening up at 4pm for A Class (and anyone else) sailing for anyone interested. A great sail last Thursday.

Sunday scratch racing will be for IOM’s will now be at Risdon Brook Dam and at the summer start time of 1:00. NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE AND TIME!

Next Wednesday’s handicap will be for IOM’s at Risdon Brook Dam with button at 11:00.

John S