IOM Winter Scratch Round 2

With a bit of wind the last few days, it was hoped that some may remain for today’s IOM Scratch.
 
Unfortunately, it didn’t and for most of the day, the dam was glassed over. That said, just above the water was a small amount of pressure, just enough to create a wake with the yachts, but no more than that.
 
I seriously doubt any decks on the boats got wet today.
 
That said, we did get away on time with 12 competing for the day. A lot of dead spots, and quite a few occasions of the backmarker bringing the wind up to everyone else.
 
We started with a rotating Pro system hat has worked well in the past, but after a few races, the frustration of the wind got to me and I Pro’d the rest of the day, with some help from Stu in the latter part of it (thanks Stu).
 
Those that Pro’d before I took it on got average points for their efforts, which is why some sailors had partial points applied.
 
Although frustrating with the lack of wind, and large shifts the cream still rose to the top – showing the real skill of really light weather sailing.

After 5 races, it was put to the skippers whether we continue or not, but the consensus was to keep going , so we did.
 
We got 8 races in in the end, with generally only single lap races with the lack of wind.
 
Lisa had a great day in the light conditions, 5 wins from the 8 races, winning the round with 7 points.
 
Ricky also had a great day today, one race win by a full leg – two race wins and 13 points for the day.
 
Ray took out 3rd as the only other who won a race today, with 17.9pts.
 
In Silver Fleet, Simon had a great day – getting a 4th in the main fleet as well, winning Silver Fleet on 12pts
Andrew continued his great run in the Proteus, taking second on 12.9pts
Phil Turnbull took third, sailing his V5, on 13 points.
 
Club boats available for hire
Members of the committee have taken the club boats home to make sure they are all in race-ready condition. Some are right to go where others may take a little while to be ready.
That said, we have club Marbleheads, DF95, IOM and A Class boats. If anyone is interested in giving one of them a go, please get in touch with anyone on the committee and we’ll get you on to the right person with the boat to have a go.
We have decided not to have the boats generally available as over time, they end up needing work done to keep them in race-ready condition and instead we intend to hire them out for a period of time, where the hirer agrees to keep the boat in race-ready condition up to the point of handing the boat back to the club.
 
Coming up
Wednesday is IOM Mid Week Handicap at the Dam, button press at 1030
Next Sunday is Mid Winter Regatta at the Dam. Button press is at 1030 (briefing at 1015). If you have not yet entered, please get your entries in before they close at 5pm on Friday. Please bring along certificates, and be ready for checks/weighing on the day.
 
Callout for Pro for Next Sunday – If you aren’t sailing but would like to help out, we have not yet had the PRO confirmed, so we would love to hear from you. Please contact either Ray or myself if you’d like to help.
 
Kyle