IOM Winter Scratch Round 4

​What a wonderful sunny day at the dam today. A bit ligh on the wind, with up to maybe 6 knots at the maximum, but nice to be able to get out in some nice warmth for the last Sunday of Winter.

Wind direction from all points of the compass, and the occasional wind bomb from above kept the nine skippers on ther toes, but the trend today was the breakout skipper or front group of sailors who got a break from the rest of the field often got to stay out the front.

It was really interesting watching so many varied strategies and how some paid off on some occasions, but not on others. In the end, I think targetting the middle of the course was the best bet of the day.

We had a clear winner today, with Mat Gray really showing how to sail the light, fickle winds. Taking 7 wins from the 10 races today. Clearly a standout with just 10 points.

Secnd place was John Cole-Cook, on 20 points. Another very consistent day from John.

Stu Dawes rounded out the top 3 in third, with 28 points.

On handicap, John Cole-Cook was a clear winner, his yacht sorted nicely and soon will be shooting back up the rankings again after a few weeks of below average results. John finished the day with 5 rank differential points (seeded 7th, finishing 2nd).

Stu Dawes took second on handicap, with 1 rank diff point.

Mat Gray, Kyle Stewart, John Hall and Andrew Wardrop tied for third today by sailing to their handicap.

Wednesday will be IOM Handicap at the dam, button press at 11am.

Kyle