IOM Mid Winter Regatta

​Thirteen competitors along today, which was in itself a good result given the recent weather and the inclement conditions forecast for today. That said, it was a little less cold than the days prior (just 4C at the kids Soccer yesterday…)
 
After initial measurements/checks undertaken by Rod and Bodge, we got under way slightly early on agreement from all competitors.
 
Pro Rod Marshall set up a pretty standard course for us as the breeze was being kind – a stiff NW at about 14 knots with gusts up around 20 or so – right to the upper edge of B Rig.
 
Some great starts with very few being called over for the day and very little contact between boats throughout was a great effort given the blustier conditions. That said, there were the inevitable boat contacts and buoy contacts (I only hit the same one 3 times for the day…..) and it was fantastic to see the penalties done as they should – quick and without fuss.
 
We took lunch after 9 races, and at that stage, Lisa had an early lead on 16 points. Just two in front of Gary (18), who had a further 5 break from Ricky (23) in third. Silver fleet saw John in the lead on 41, with Peter just two behind (43) and Alan (56) in third.
 
During lunch, the wind came right up and there was a lot of indecision over what rig to choose, B or C. B rig won out in the end, with the two taking on C rig being a bit light on power when the wind dropped off.
 
A few direction changes with the wind after lunch – giving us some from every direction which made it hard on Rod for setting the course. Luckily that confused period was short lived and we soon went back to our initial course for the day.
 
With such a good long initial beat, it was interesting to see where skippers elected to sail, with lanes in close to shore, in the middle of the course, and way out on the other side also proving effective at times.
 
We finished off with 18 races completed for the day – a very good effort by all, given we were afforded breaks after every three races as well. The last two races had most of the fleet swap out to A rigs, but I think most possibly would not have done it in hindsight, with some big gusts blowing through, creating some chaos about the field with many yachts either nosediving or being completely flattened.
 
Fantastic to see though the results that we had 8 skippers sharing race wins for the day, including one from Silver Fleet (Peter took out a 1st and 2nd before rigging issues finished his day).
 
The deserved winner of the Regatta today was Lisa, running out clearly in front on just 35 points. Supremely consistent with a 5 as one of her drops for the day.
 
The next three spots were very close.
 
Gary took out second place on 54 points.
 
Just two further afield was yours truly on 56 points, just 1 ahead of Ricky in 4th on 57.

In Silver Fleet, John kept his buffer from Alan (the brothers rivalry getting pretty competitive) with the win on 101pts. Alan second on 110pts,and Ted taking third on 118pts.
 
A great days sailing with a good amount of breeze for us to really test our B rigs out.
 
Big thanks today, to Rod for opting out of sailing and doing the Pro job instead. Calm, measured and efficient the entire day. Thanks also to Phil Turnbull and Simon for helping with observing through the day.
 
We also had Grant Wise along again today, taking some photos of the sailing. They can be found on our RC Sailing Tas Facebook page, which is viewable whether you have a FB account or not.