IOM Summer Series Round 1

​Light conditions greeted the 12 sailors who turned up today for the first installment of IOM Summer Scratch for the year.

It was fantastic to see a great field of sailors on the water today.

Wind in every direction except the east, making courses difficult to set and extremely varied.

Without our trusty Pro, Les today who was feeling a bit under the weather, we chose to rotate the Pro's around and thanks to all skippers who quickly volunteered to fill in as pro for a race. Almost everyone had a go at it. The Pro received average points from the rest of their races.

With the light wind, an amount of races were shortened.

Five race winners from the 10 races today, so things were shared about a bit, with everyone getting a rub of the green at times, and just poor luck at others.

Winner today, with a fantastic 14.9pts was Michael Hickman - not venturing below 3rd in his counted races. Well deserved round win.

Second today was Mat Gray on 18.6pts, no lower than 5th.

Third, by less than a point - was Stuart Dawes - on 27.1pts.

With the light, fickle wind, there was quite a lot of congestion at numerous times at marks. Something we need to be a bit more mindful of as we approach them. The Wednesday crew had a real positive talk about that area last week. We just need to be mindful of our places as we near the marks and ensure we keep respectful room for those who have rights over us in order to avoid accidental collisions and ruining the enjoyment of the day for others. Being a self governed sport, we do not need to wait to be called, but are compelled to exonorate ourselves of any infringements as soon as possibe with a penalty turn. Something we also need to be a bit more aware of.

That said though, the large majority of the sailing today was done in great spirit.


Coming up

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

Next Sunday is RM Summer Series Round 1, location tba but currently assuming at the dam if the floating pontoon at Montrose isn't repaired by then.

Kyle