IOM Winter Scratch Series Round 3

As I was driving to the dam today, my hopes weren't high. Cadbury's factory smoke stack indicating no wind. EZ smoke also going straight up. Were we going to sail today?

Turned up to the dam, and glass right across it, with 14 skippers milling about, wondering what to do...

Just after official start time, some breeze did fill in, and we were under way not long after.

Very light conditions throughout most of the day, hardly exceeding 3 knots, however towards the end of the day, we did get a few 10 knot blasts come through for us to make things a bit more exciting.

Seemed like it paid to not be in front for much of the race, with those a little behind seeing who was moving and not moving in front - making decisions a bit simpler.

That said, there was ample opportunity as well with many chosing an inside lane, some going down the middle of the course, and some real brave souls taking an out wide lane to see if there might be an advantage.

I must say the behaviour again was fantastic amongst the competitors. Penalty turns done and not requiring being called over it. Ttrue sportsmanship and it was on display today. Well done to those skippers.

We had a welcome return to a few skippers today. It was great seing Martin Svensen, Andrew Wardrop, Andrew Price and John Short back sailing on a Sunday. 

Ricky Price had his V12 sailing today for the first time at the club. Beautifully built boat, and Ricky has done a fantastic job getting it all rigged and ready to race. A couple of podium positions on the day a great reward for his efforts in getting the boat ready to race.

To the final results, and Michael Hickman showed again that he is the King of Risdon Brook light weather. A masterclass on display today. with drops of only 4 and 3. A tally for the day of 14 points.

Hot on his heels, just one point behind was Stuart Dawes - a pair of wins and seconds showing the consistency of his sailing today. A well deserved second.

Taking third today, was Ray Joyce, three adrift from Stu on 18 points.

In Silver fleet today, Ricky came out winner on 12 points. Four division wins in a row with hs new V12 proving red may actually really be the faster colour.

Taking second place, on 17 points, was Rod Marshall, also with a podium position amongst the full fleet.

Third place, on a countback with Andrew Wardrop and Peter Sylvester, was John Short. All on 18 points - just one behind Rod - showing the closeness amongst the sailing today.

Thanks, as always, to Les for his work as Pro today. Still recovering from his recent treatments, he covered 4km today watching over the fleet, doing the starts and recording the finishes. Massive job and we are truly appreciative of your continued efforts Les.

Coming up

Wednesday is a return to Mid Week IOM Handicap at the Dam, button press at 11am

Next Sunday is DF95 Scratch at the Dam, Button Press at 1000.

We also have the DF65 State Championships coming up on June 29. If you are interested in competing, please get your entry in as soon as possible so the organisers can plan for the day.

The committee is meeting this coming Tuesday, and one of the topics asked frmo the AGM to discuss is starting times of Sunday sail days. If there is any membership comments over start times, could you please let me know so I can put those comments forward at the meeting.

Kyle