DF95 Scratch Round 4

Well, after a few mild days and a possible hint of spring, we got the complete opposite today, with a not-quite-so balmy 4C and very strong NW breeze - and with snow threatening. Interesting through the day that the mountain did not seem to receive much snow, but the hlls just behind us (no higher than 300m) did get quite a dusting.

We had seven brave souls come to sail today. Unfortunately, Les came to sail as well, but the wind offered a bit too much. B Rig is being built as we speak. John H also made the trip to open up, but was unwell and went back home. Hope you're on the Mend, John. Kyle also come to watch, after having surgery a bit over a week ago. A 4hr sleep afterwards, so still some strength to pick up there.

The seven skippers got away with a mix of B, C and even a D Rig, however, after the first race, everyone was on their "B's", which remained for the duration of the sailing. The last two races could have gone back to an A, but we were more interested in getting some races completed before the next squall came in.

We managed to get 10 races in overall - pretty good considering the conditions. A lot of wave management throughout, which some excelled in and others found difficult - but a lot of fun nontheless.

Very consistent results today, from Both Stuart Dawes and Ray Joyce. Very deserved winner ont he day, and runner up with 11 and 14 points respectively. Third place today, went to Richard Fisher. First time on the podium I believe - well done.

Handicap results today were very close, with Ryan Joyce and Richard Fisher both winning on handicap, with +1 point. A log jam in 3rd - on 0, was Stu Dawes, Mat Gray, John SHort and Andrew Price.

This coming Wednesday is IOM Handicap, at Risdon Brook Dam, and next Sunday is the RM Winter Scratch. Next weekend is also the state DF65 Championship, and we have a few representatives heading up the NW to compete. Good luck to all of you. The sailing up there has always been really enjoyable and I see no reason why this one should be any less.

Next Sunday (1st August) is also the close for entries in the Tas Marblehead Southern State Regatta on the 8th August. Please get entries in as soon as possible.

Kyle