IOM Mid Week Handicap

The forecasted gale warning and rain was probably enough to keep a few of the skippers at home today. Only ten brave contestants fronted for today’s handicap event at the Dam and Kim Potter succumbed to radio problems during the warm-up races leaving a fleet of nine for the main event. 
The prevailing Northwester was very gusty and it fluctuated between 0 and 20 knots during every race making rig choice very difficult.  All skippers initially chose A-rigs but some heavy gusts during the warm-up made most change to B-rigs for the first of the handicap races. It was pretty clear after a couple of races that the A-rigged boats were at an advantage and all suited up again to A’s for the rest of the racing. A heavy gust scuttled the fleet during the last race and while most escaped without damage it was decided to finish racing early today.
Despite the conditions racing was hotly contested and the podium was well shared. Congratulations to Andrew Floyd who managed his boat through the maelstrom during the last race to take it out.
There was only one discard today as it was a six race series.
Andrew Wardrop took third place after putting two wins on the board early in the day’s racing. Second place went to Chris Wood and Mat Gray won the day again. There was only one point between each of the podium placings. Congratulations Andrew, Chris and Mat.
While it is always challenging and strangely fun to compete in difficult conditions we are hoping for better sailing conditions next time we meet.
Coming up:
Tomorrow - A Class sailing at Montrose Bay Yacht Club. Club opening from 4pm

Next Sunday scratch racing for Marbleheads - likely to be at Risdon Brook Dam (1:00 button). I'll send a message if MBYC is looking better with the current weed situation.

Monday - Public Holiday - A Class sailing at MBYC (11:00 button)
Next Wednesday IOM handicap at Risdon Brook Dam (11:00 button)
Also don’t forget the IOM State Regatta on Sunday 28th March. Enter for this online on our website under "Ranking Events"
John S