IOM Mid Week Handicap

It was good and windy when I arrived at the Dam this morning. The strong North-Wester had gusts which exceeded 25 knots. Some of the skippers who lacked C-rigs were talking about not sailing and others were wondering if the fleet should be sailing at all. But sail we did, and by the time that the 11:00 button-press occurred the wind had moderated quite a bit and a mixture of B and C-rigs took to the water. Those that chose the C-rig ended up being under-powered and quickly up-sized. 
 
It was great to see Kim Potter again today. Kim has done himself an injury during his move and for that reason did not race today but it did mean that he could take the PRO’s chair. Kim was assisted by Rob Cooney during the morning before the urge to race came too much for him. Thanks to you both for your work today.
 
I am getting used to my new Venti every time I sail it and, thanks to a tune-up and rigging lesson from Mat Gray, managed to take out third spot overall today.
 
Generally however it was a bit of a day out for the scratch boats. The really experienced skippers relished the challenging conditions and came through with the results. Ray Joyce took second overall with a couple of race wins in the tally and Mat won the day with an ‘all podium’ scorecard and a total of minus 4 points once bonuses and discards were taken into account.
 
As today’s winner was one of the scratch boats a handicap ‘shake-down’ occurs. Normally the top third of the fleet have their starting handicap increased by 10 seconds and the bottom third have theirs decreased by 10 seconds. But when a scratch boat wins the top third retain their starting handicaps and the rest of the fleet have theirs reduced. (That is all of the boats that have completed 7 or more races.)
 
This weekend RBRYC hosts the Marblehead State Titles. Volunteers are always needed for championship events so if you can assist please give Kyle a call and, even if you cant, then get down to our Montrose course to watch some racing. It’s a hot field with six interstate entries including the current national champion. Saturday’s briefing is at 10:15 for a 10:30 button-press.
 
Next Wednesday’s handicap at the dam will be for DF95’s. Button-press at 11:00. 
 
John S