IOM Mid Week Handicap

It was blowing a good 25+ knots when we arrived at Risdon Brook Dam today and there was plenty of discussion as to whether or not we should be sailing. Eventually the consensus was to give it a go and so nine skippers took to the water all with C rigs for the morning’s IOM handicap racing. In fact the yachts handled the conditions well and the skippers did a good job too by giving consideration to the conditions and keeping a good margin between boats. 

A special honorable mention goes to Dave Woolley who sailed very creditably throughout the day in the rough conditions. His effort in Race 7 was particularly noteworthy when, after starting late - 25seconds after his start time, he held his position well but was in third spot rounding the final gate. Dave pulled off a coup out-sailing a couple of our best skippers home to win the race.

The wind did die considerably over lunch. Lisa was the only skipper who changed and sailed the afternoon with her B-rig. She consequently won the last three races back-to-back and won the day easily. It does need to be said that Lisa was already well ahead on points before the lunch break and her scorecard reflects a totally deserved win. Even her discards were 4th placings.

Second place went to Ricky Price who didn’t win a race today but consistently finished at the head of the fleet. And third today went to Commadore Rod Marshall with two race wins and a second on his scorecard. Well sailed Rod, Ricky and Lisa!

I think that all the skippers enjoyed taking on the tough conditions today and that’s what it is all about!

Coming up:
Sunday’s sailing at Montrose will be the final IOM scratch race for the year. (1:00 button).

As far as our Wednesday handicap sailing for the rest of the year is concerned we have the following to look forward to:
Next Wednesday (18th Dec) will be IOM handicap racing (11:00 button).
The Wednesday after that will be Christmas Day and there will be no sailing.
Then will follow Wednesday 1st Jan – New Year’s Day which will be a DF95 handicap sail day. As it is understandable that not all skippers will be able to attend this event, the week will not count towards the 2025 DF95 trophy. Our first trophy scoring points event for DF95 will be held in February.


Shorty