IOM Summer Scratch Round 5

​An overcast, but otherwise warm day today. Looked to be top end of A rig as we set up, but soon changed to B before the first race, and stayed there throughout.

We had a few new yachts launched today, with Any Hamilton coming down from Launceston with his new Atlas and my new Britpop making its first appearance.

Unfortunately, Andy started to feel unwell, and returned home - but I have since been in touch and he is feeling much better and is safely back home. Hope to see you down here again soon Andy.

Anyway, we got under way and got 8 races in for the day, before calling it a bit early with weed coming in on us again. Some think it may be from the excaations from the Bridgewater Bridge upgrade - who knows. Hopefully it will be somewhere else next week.

Had a slight incident when a sailor was using his transmiter mit without the lanyard attached. The skipper went to pick his yacht up from the water and grabbed with his second hand and heard a splash. Wondering whose transmitter hit the water, then realising his own one was not secured. Oops. A quick trip home for me to get the spare out.......

By the time I got back, we had some issues with Cooky and Rods yachts, affecting their results a fair bit. 

Many of the races I managed to see were very closely contested.

That said, usual suspect, Mat Gray came away with the round win on 8 points - showing his usual ultra consistency.

Second today, was Ray Joyce, on 18 points, edging out Lisa Blackwood on 19 on countback from Stuart Dawes.

On handicap today, we had a three way tie in first place, with Ray Joyce, John Short and John Hall all on 3 net points.

Thanks to Les today for his usual high quality PRO work, and to Ken Dobbie for his observing thrroughout.

Wednesday will see the return of IOM Handicap at the dam, button press at 11am.

Next Sunday is a general sail day, which will include a BBQ lunch and presentation of Series Winners certificates. I believe some will be bringing their A Class yachts along and there could be a new one hitting the water for the first time maybe.

We will start sailing at 11am with a BBQ lunch at about 1230 and return to sail till we have had enough.

If you can let Lisa or Kyle know if you are attending, it would be appreciated, so we can make sure there is enough set aside for catering for all.

Kyle