Long Distance Round 3 and A Class Scratch Round 3 Results

A return of Long Distance sailing at the dam today, and we couldn't ahve asked for a better breeze. All day, close to 10 knots from the north. The katabatic at its best.

Eight hardy sailors fronted today. Although the wind was near perfect, the cold associated with it was rather biting.

A mix of an RM, a few IOM's and 5 "A's" on the water, with the "A's" also contesting their scratch series round 3. Eight races were completed in all, with an enjoyable lunch break with a few Sav's and a social chat.

In the Handicap series, the IOM's set the pace all day, with Stu Dawes running out a clear winner, on 8 points, with Andrew Wardrop coming in second, on 12 points. Lisa Blackwood rounded out the top three on 15 points.

For the A Class Scratch Series, Lisa again came out the winner on the day, with 8 points, with Kyle Stewart in second, on 12, just edging out Michael Hickman, third with 13 points.

For the A Classes, the day was particularly enjoyable. A very long upwind beat with not much between the yachts at all, and some fantastic tacking duels amongst every race.

There was some discussion today about the sailing calendar, sailing locations and yacht classes supported. Some ideas around MBYC (radio sailing division) taking on the A Class series monthly on a Saturday to free up the Sunday calendar were discussed. Another one discussed at committee level for consideration was extending the DF days to 4hrs and including both DF65 and DF95 on the day. For example having 8-10 DF65 races, followed then by 8-10 DF95 races for the day. If any members have any thoughts or suggestions they would like to bring forward, please email Kyle so it can be discussed at the first meeting after our AGM, so we can maintain a calendar that best reflects our members wishes. If MBYC were to take on a class or two as a regular sail day on a Saturday, then the Sunday calendar could become more concentrated to fewer classes, enabling more sail days for those with one class of yacht. All just suggestions and the committee are keen to hear any feedback.

One thing the committee agreed to at the last meeting, was that we, as a club need to be a bit more flexible in where we sail, based on conditions. For example, if tides are really poor, or weed is a significant issue, then we will in future be decamping for the day from Montrose and relocating to the dam. This may or may not happen next week, but the premise will be there as will be mentioned below.

On Wednesday, we have our regular IOM Handicap at the dam. 11am button press.

Next Sunday, 29th, we have RM Scratch at MBYC at 10am. We will inspect prior to sailing, and if we have an unacceptable amount of weed, we will decamp to Risdon Brook and start the sail day at 11am, for the same three hour sail session (scheduled finish at 2pm if we go to the dam).

We are working on an sms setup, so we can advise members of weather warnings and change of locations as needed.

Kyle