IOM Mid Week Handicap

There was sunshine, blue skies and a nice 10 knot northerly blowing straight down the dam for today’s IOM handicap racing. It was a bit of a change too as we have had strong winds in Hobart for more than a week.  The brisk breeze made for perfect A-rig conditions until lunch when it strengthened to about 15 knots and we all changed to B-rigs for the afternoon.

PRO duties were rotated throughout the morning but during the afternoon Kim Potter generously offered to do the job. Thanks for your work Kim.

It was nice to see Mat Gray back on the water. Mat didn’t race but was out test-sailing Andrew Price’s new boat (formerly Peter Darcy’s V10).

Also great to see was Rod Jackman’s new K2. A lovely bright lemon colour which will certainly be easy to spot. Rod showed some glimpses of his old form but I am guessing that it will take a few weeks to get the new boat tuned.

Usually you have a fair idea who has taken out overall honours just by scanning the sheet but it was always going to be tight today. The three place-getters were only separated by 2 pts and there was not a whole lot separating the first eight finishers in fact.

Third place overall went to Andrew Wardrop who sailed consistently throughout the day. Second place was filled by Ricky Price who had 5 trips to the podium. Today’s winner was Pete Sylvester who has been on the dais regularly since getting his new boat. Next week’s starting handicap of 50 is throwing you a challenge Pete! Great sailing by the place-getters today – congratulations Andrew, Ricky and Pete.
 
Coming up;

Sunday: More IOM action with scratch racing at the dam - 10:00 button
Next Wednesday: IOM's at the dam for handicap racing. - 11:00 button

John Short