IOM Mid Week Handicap

Today’s IOM Handicap Shield event started in very cool conditions but a delightful Northerly of nearly 10 knots made the thirteen skippers keen for a good days racing. The wind did moderate gradually throughout the day but even at the close of the day we had a steady 3 or 4 knots (and bright sunshine) and so all up great conditions for sailing. 
 
The wind did carry some gusts, lifts and knocks. On the long beat up the dam it was always difficult to tell whether to head west where there seemed to be more pressure or come to the east as there were some generous lifts to hunt. The leg from the gate to the finish line was generally an easier decision as rounding buoy 1 and coming to the shore seemed to pay most times but you did have to take your chances if you sailed too close to the shore weed line. 
 
It was so good to see Phil Jackman back with a transmitter in hand and boat on the water. Trout sailed to his usual great form finishing a creditable 4th overall with a swag of 3rd places and a nice race win too. 
 
Third place was taken by Peter Sylvester who had his boat beautifully set up and had more boat speed than most others. Peter Turner finished second with 6 podium finishes from the 12 races today. The clear winner was Gary McCarthy who was clearly the best on the course still competing in the final races after having raised his handicap penalty o 85 seconds. Congratulations to the Peter’s and Gary.
 
Today was a great work out for Sunday’s IOM ranking event - the Mid-Winter Regatta. If you have not entered yet and intend to, then you need to enter on line AND pay before close of business on Friday! Measuring and inspection will be from 9:00, briefing at 10:15 and a 10:30 button press
 
Coming Up;
Sunday: IOM Mid-Winter Regatta for IOMs at Risdon Brook Dam 10:30 button press
Next Wednesday: IOM handicap racing at Risdon Brook Dam. 10:30 button press
 
Shorty