IOM Mid Week Handicap

​There was a very light wind on the Derwent as I was driving over the bridge this morning. Over recent months the experience has been that light wind on the Derwent means flat calm at Risdon Brook Dam and so that was my expectation. But who would have thought? - Solid B rig conditions to greet the sailors! And it was a nice surprise too as we have not had much wind at all throughout the winter. Those skippers who pre-rigged at home were just as surprised as me and needed to change down before even starting.
 
It was a day where good choice of rig was important and there were frequent rig changes. While B-rig all day would not have been too far wrong there were races where those with the larger rigs did well.
 
There was a fair attrition rate too and just finishing all ten races put you in a good position in the points tally.
 
Stuart Dawes consistency made him a clear winner today. Congratulations Stuart!
 
Ray Joyce’s second place was also highly commendable as he was the only starter today off the scratch handicap of 70 seconds and sailed the last couple of races off the maximum handicap of 90 seconds.
 
There was a three way tie for 3rd, 4th and 5th but Andrew Wardrop stole the podium spot on count-back with three race wins in his tally. And it was a good sail from Andrew too as he sat out the first three races while it was too windy for his only available A-rig.
 
As far as handicap adjustment is concerned: Normally the bottom third of the fleet gain an additional 10 seconds handicap but skippers who have 3 or more DNF/DNS races do not qualify for handicap alteration. So there were no handicap benefits to those at the bottom of the table this week.
 
 
We wish the best of luck to those who are heading north for the championships over the weekend.
 
Locally on Sunday we have an IOM sail day at Risdon Brook Dam, while our members sail up in Launceston for the DF65 State Championship. Sailing will start at the dam at 11am per the calendar on our website. Please let John Hall know if you are coming so he has an idea as to how many are intending on sailing.

Next Wednesday’s handicap will be for DF95’s at Risdon Brook. Button Press at 11:00.
 
John S