IOM Mid Week Handicap

A cool but lovely sunny day greeted the 16 IOM skippers who fronted up at Risdon Brook Dam for our regular Wednesday handicap racing. Pre-race chatter, was swiftly stolen when Alan Short’s arrived in his rather large, very clean, but totally bogan Ford Raptor. 

On the water, the day delivered light Northerly winds—mostly below about 4 knots—with some sizeable and frequent shifts to both the East and West, keeping everyone on their toes. Reading the breeze today was very much the name of the game today. Those who found extra pressure on the right side of the course or a predicted a favourable shift were rewarded. 

We ran a rotating PRO today, sharing the joy of race management. A big thanks to all who took a turn with the clipboard – a noble task, but necessary when the racing is as tight as it was today.

There was chaos at the finish of the very first race when some skippers were unaware of which finish line we were using. In addition to this the racing was so close which that our PRO couldn’t write the numbers quick enough. The only alternative was to call for a re-sail - and much to Rob Cooney’s dismay as he’d won that first (now non-existent) race fair and square. As you would expect from Rob, the decision was taken in a sportsmanlike way, but a moral victory to you Rob and one which you can pencil up in your own private record book and with no handicap penalty either!

As for the racing that did count – there was some excellent sailing all around. Peter Webberley claimed third place overall, sailing with nice boat speed and making good decisions in the shifting breeze. But it was the Short boys, who claimed a quinella finish. Alan Short took first place honours, showing great form on the water to match his flair in the carpark. With two race wins and a third place today, Al has steadily worked his handicap out and will be starting with a penalty of 20 seconds next week. I managed to sneak into second and was pretty happy with that as I reckon that the racing is so close of late that it is getting harder and harder to get to the podium.

All in all, it was a good day’s sailing with a decent breeze, friendly competition and a few laughs too. Thanks to everyone who came out and made the most of the day.

Coming up:

Sunday: IOM Scratch racing at Risdon Brook Dam (10-:00 button Press)
Next Wednesday: IOM handicap racing at Risdon Brook Dam (11:00 button press)
​
Shorty