IOM Long Distance Handicap

Beautiful weather (at last), beautiful wind and some beautiful sailing for our IOM long distance handicap event at Risdon Brook Dam. After such a long period of challenging Westerlies and cancelled events I think we all enjoyed the friendlier conditions on offer today. A katabatic Northerly of 3-5 knots kept us guessing the shifts in the morning, then a sea breeze made a timely entrance while we were having lunch giving us some fast sailing on smooth water in the afternoon. Perhaps it was a little too fast, as at times we needed to jog to keep pace with our boats. That was our first sea breeze for the season and definitely comes with the promise of good sailing ahead.
Some skippers were unfortunate to discover that the weed banks extend further out at the upper end of the dam which proved costly especially with less races and only one drop. 
Tacking duels were a common experience today and fun too with many ‘photo finishes’ involved. I am hoping that next year we might be able to add some match racing to our Wednesday calendar.
Peter Sylvester was today’s winner finishing the day with a 1st, a 2nd, and a 3rd in the sea breeze after lunch. Peter Turner also did well in the afternoon session finishing the day with back to back wins to take second overall. And John Penman took the third podium spot with a second place and a race win in his mix. Congratulations to the ‘Peters’ and John.
It was pretty tight in the middle of the scoreboard with 3 pairs of skippers on tied points and placings 5 to 10 being separated by only 3 points. 
There is definitely an extra strategic element involved in long distance sailing which adds interest and fun. All up a great day out today!


Coming up:
Saturday: IOM Woodies day at Forcett Lakes, button press at 1030
Sunday: IOM Scratch racing at Montrose (1:00 button press)
Next Wednesday: DF95 Handicap racing at Risdon Brook Dam (11:00 button press)


Shorty