IOM Mid Week Handicap

A blustery Northerly of around 15 knots was on offer for those skippers who went to today’s IOM handicap event. After a couple of recent cancelations and the chance of the park being closed today I think that most skippers were pleased just to be able to get a sail despite the challenging conditions. 

John Hall was having winch troubles and did not make the water today but thoughtfully decided to stay and take on the PRO’s role. Thank you for your work today John.

By the time that we started racing B-rigs were the universal choice but after three races in moderating wind it seemed like a rig change was in order. Instead of rushing into this we decided to take an early lunch break so that the wind could ‘make up its mind’. It was a fair call too as the wind did strengthen over lunch and the B-rig was ideal for the rest of the day.

Close racing produced a tight scoreboard and count-back was used to decide 4th and 5th positions, and also a three-way tie for 6th 7th and 8th .  Also interesting was that 7 of the 10 skippers gained enough podium finishes to ensure that no handicap adjustment for next week was necessary. This shows that the system is producing appropriate handicaps. 

On a day when no-one really dominate the podium it was important to make sure that you didn’t have too many really bad races. This was best done by Wayne Behrens, Ray Joyce and Lisa Blackwood who took out 3rd, 2nd and 1st places respectively. Lisa finished the day particularly strongly with wins in two of the last three races. Congratulations to Wayne, Ray and Lisa.

Coming up: A DF95 fest!

Sunday: DF95 scratch racing at Risdon Brook Dam. Button-press at 10:00
Next Wednesday: DF95 handicap racing at Risdon Brook Dam. Button-press at 11:00

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th Sept: DF95 State titles at Thirlstane (near Port Sorell) Entry for this must be made on-line.
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Shorty