IOM Mid Week Handicap

It certainly feels like someone has hit the ‘off switch’ as far as summer is concerned. A very cool and blustery North Wester of 15 -18 knots set a challenge to skippers for todays IOM handicap event at Risdon Brook Dam. While the A-rig looked tempting for some very light patches early in the day the B-Rig was the universal choice and a good choice too as the wind did freshen a couple of knots after lunch. It has been a fair while since we have had the B-rigs out on a Wednesday and it was great to watch the IOM’s fly downwind right on the limits of the rig.
 
With my boat currently in pieces undergoing some refurbishing I took on PRO duties today. Wayne Behrens brought his boat with A rig only but decided that it would be better to assist with official duties rather than battling the conditions with the wrong equipment. Thanks for your help today Buzzy.
 
Wind shifts were frequent and decisive today. I felt that those who worked the shifts as they were presented did better than those who went way wide banking on a bigger change. 
 
On tough days it is not unusual to see the cream rise and that is what happened today. Gary McCarthy took out the day with five podiums in his mix including two race wins. Two other skippers to win two races were Ray Joyce and Andrew Wardrop. 
 
Second and third overall were taken by Ricky Price and Jammy Jones who tied on points with Ricky getting the nod by virtue of four second places. Congratulations Gary, Ricky, Jammy, Ray and Andrew! 
 
Next week is designated a Woodies and Classics day to give an opportunity for those who have an older boat to get them out of the shed and give them a day out. Special handicap arrangements will be in place for those who bring them and there will be racing for those with modern boats too.
 
Coming Up:
Sunday: Southern IOM regatta. Late entries can be made online. 10:30 button press. PLEASE NOTE - while this event is currently scheduled for Risdon Brook Dam, the committee have decided to change location to Montrose with the expected Easterly conditions forecast on Sunday, which will prove to be very fickle and frustrating at the dam. A very fortunate benefit we have with the ability to sail at multiple locations. Emails will also go out to all competitors about this.
 
Next Wednesday: IOM handicap at Risdon Brook Dam (Classics and Woodies welcome) 10:30 button press.
 
Shorty