Long Distance Handicap Round 1

The first day of the Australia Day extra-long weekend sailing commenced today, with the Long DIstance Handicap.

Twelve sailors fronted, with a good mix of IOM and A Class yachts. We also welcomed the return of our northern visitors, Ted Stevens and Andy Hamilton for the long weekend.

Sailing started in very light conditions. Handicaps set by Les and results recorded by Anne Cole-Cook. Courses were very difficult with the Easterly winds, but we made do with the wind given to us. Course length was changed and handicaps altered to suit, which suited the fleet - well, mostly the IOM's in the lighter stuff.

However, after lunch, an unexpected southerly change came in, with a welcome 10kt breeze, and the A Classes were back in the thick of it, really pushing through the fleet as the IOM's were starting to struggle.

By the end of the day, we had nine races completed, and throughout, we had three sailors who were very consistent. Andy Hamilton, in his new Corby 6 Woodie came out on top with 18 points. Fantastic racing with a worst counted score of 4th

Second was Lisa Blackwood, with her Sister Blister (RA), two points behind, on 20.

Taking out the top three was Ray Joyce with his Britpop, a further 5 astern, on 25 points.

Of note also, 4th to 7th had only two points between them.

With Andy taking out the round, I think we will need to start charging an import duty for northeners....

The day was enjoyed by all, with some great sailing throughout, helped obviously with the great handicapping and course setting on the day by Les.
 
Tomorrow is the second day of our Australia Day Longer Weekend, with DF95's (and RG65's) sailing from 1pm to 4pm.

Tuesday will conclude the Longer Weekend sailing, with the Australia Day Handicap Shield, which this year, will be a combination of todays racing and Tuesdays handicap racing. 2020 award presentations will be presented during the BBQ lunch break. Sailing starts on Tuesday at 1030, and will conclude about 3.30pm, where we will retire to the bar and present the first winner of the Australia Day Handicap Shield.