IOM Mid Week Handicap

A gorgeous Autumn day today – sunny and with a North westerly of about 10 knots. Absolutely perfect conditions for racing IOM yachts at Risdon Brook Dam. So, putting the great conditions with the fact that today’s sailing was a handicap shield round it was not surprising that nineteen skippers turned up for racing. It was unfortunate that John Hall and Rod Jackman could not make the start line due to boat issues as it would have been a record fleet for recent times. A big thanks though to the forementioned gentlemen who stayed on to officiate the racing today. 

The wind was kind to us by holding its strength throughout the whole day allowing us to complete the complement of ten races. What was rather surprising given the moderate conditions was the high attrition rate today. 17 competed in the first race but only 11 in the final race.

Close racing, podium positions from all skippers that completed the race complement, winners from across the handicap spectrum and a tight scoreboard are all indicators that the handicap system is working well and these were all evident in today’s racing.

There was only a single point separating the top three today with Buzzy Behrens and Ricky Price tying for second and third. Buzzy got the nod for second with back-to-back wins in the final two races of the day. Just one point ahead, John Cole-Cook was today’s winner. John played the shifts well on the up-wind legs often working the centre of the course and finding clear air away from other competitors. Congratulations John, Wayne and Ricky.

COMING UP:
Something to mark on your calendar! We have decided to bring back long-distance racing – but on a Wednesday, at Risdon Brook dam, and for IOM boats only. Wednesday 30th April will be the first of two or three that we will be sailing during this year. They will be handicap races and each day’s racing will contribute points towards a season winner who will be awarded the Long-distance Champions trophy. The club will put on a BBQ lunch for the first of these days to make it extra special. More details will be given as we get closer to the event.

Sunday: Marblehead scratch racing at Risdon Brook Dam. (10:00 button-press). Note the venue: This event will be at the dam NOT Montrose as the calendar previously stated.

Next Wednesday: IOM handicap racing at Risdon Brook Dam (11:00 button-press)
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Shorty