IOM Mid Week Handicap

The 15-18 knot North-Wester that was blowing down the dam this morning was not what was predicted by any of our weather apps but it was a great sailing breeze, and, as it was accompanied by blue skies and sunshine there were no complaints from the 16 skippers that fronted today.

A few scratch races showed that there were some quite significant gusts and that a B-rig choice would cope best.  It was not long before the whole fleet had lightened down and made this choice. During our lunch break the gusts moderated and the fleet universally chose to use their A-rig for the afternoon’s racing.

Visiting to watch the morning’s racing was Graeme Featherstone who is intending to build a wooden Corbie IOM. Graeme has previously built several RG65’s and is a regular sailor at Puddleduck Vineyard.

It was also good to see quite a few skippers who have been missed over recent weeks. Unfortunately for Peter Sylvester the break was not kind to his boat as radio problems meant that he could not even get to the first race. Pete did however stay on to assist me with PRO duties for the day. Thanks Pete!

Radio issues also caused the early retirement of Martin Svensen who showed good speed in the first race.

Today’s results feature nine different winners from the ten races. First and second places were tied on total points and separated only by count-back. The winner was Ian Hey who steadily improved his results over the course of the day. Second place went to Rod Marshall who had some great results early when B-rigs were up.  Third place today went to Andrew Wardrop making it a trifecta for the Blitz team! Congratulations to all.

John Hall will officiate as PRO for next Wednesday’s handicap racing which will be for IOM’s (11:00 at Risdon Brook).

There will be no sailing on Sunday due to Easter. 

John S