IOM Mid Winter Regatta

A cold day this morning. The car told me it was a sprightly 3C on the way to the dam. The ice on the side of the road told me it was colder, but a nice Katabatic had formed on the Derwent, so was hoping the same for the dam.

Not quite as good as the river, but the dam did provide some consistent wind, albeit very light - but at least it wasn't patchy and random.

We got under way with a very slight delay while we fixed up a competitors broken sidestay - how fiddly that is when the fingers are numb from the cold.

The 11 competitors got away, and we enjoyed a consistent light breeze up until the lunch break, having completed 6 races. A quick tally of the results had Lisa ahead, with Ray, Stu and Kyle tied for 2nd place. Peter Sylvester was leading the Silver fleet, with Rod in second and Ricky and Andrew tied for third. All very close together.

The lunch break brought in a rest in the wind and we thought that the day would be done, but it did come back and we sailed a further six races after lunch. The final two in millpond conditions, but just enough wind to keep moving - just.

It turned out today that the first beat was critical to the final positions on most of the races, with the first few getting around the buoys often remaining in those front couple of positons. Unfortunately no real passing lanes today.

At the end of the twelve races, things were very tight thoughout, both overall and in Silver Division.

With a win in the last race, Ray Joyce came out the winner of the Mid Winter Regatta on just 24 points by way of his three race wins.

Second, on countback was Kyle Stewart - no wins today, but very consistent with throwing out two 5th places.

Third today was Lisa Blackwood, just two points behind on 26 points.

In Silver Fleet, Andrew Wardrop took the win for the day on 19 points. A fine performance today.

Second place, on countback, was Peter Sylvester - also on 19 points.

Third place went to Ricky Price, just two adrift on 21 points.

A great days sailing, albeit in very light conditions. It was wonderful to see that although we were a few short on normal numbers for the event, the Silver Fleet sailors were out in force today enjoying the sailing - with multiple sailors taking podium places within the full fleet, which is fantastically encouraging. Ricky Price adding to his first main fleet race win a few weeks ago with his first win in a Ranking Event.

Personally, I feel that the Silver Fleet idea has been a great success, with us seeing a few sailors returning to Sunday sailing, and enjoying the challenges that it brings, as well as having good opportunity to come away with some success on the day. This concept came about from one of our members - who wasn't on the committee - and shows that members input to the committe is heard and will be acted on if it has advantage to the members. Please bring in more ideas and opinions to the committee if you have an idea that could help us become a better and more inclusive club. It's what makes us stronger.

Big thanks - as always - to Les today, for being the PRO for us, allowing the rest of us to enjoy the sailing. Thanks also to Stu Dawes for helping out with the last few races and Phil Jackman for coming along and also supporting Les towards the end of the day.

Coming up

Wednesday is  Mid Week IOM Handicap at the Dam, button press at 11am

Next Sunday is scheduled RM Scratch, but this may change with three of our RM sailors heading to Melbourne next weekend for the Victorian State Championships. More details to confirm and follow regarding next Sunday. Good luck to those competing next weekend.

Kyle