Mid Week IOM Handicap

Although it was a chilly start the day unfolded gloriously to become warm and sunny for today’s IOM handicap shield racing at Risdon Brook Dam. A 12 knot Northerly katabatic greeted the skippers when they arrived but this lightened race by race as the day proceeded.
 
It was great to see Rob Cooney back again after the best part of a year away from our group. Rob wasted no time at all getting back into it and showed that her had forgot nothing by finishing the first race in second place, following it with a win in the second race and had another win later in the day too. So good to see you again Rob.
 
We sailed longer in the morning session and took lunch after 7 races to ensure that the dying breeze didn’t spoil the day. 11 races were completed for the day with just enough wind to keep us moving for a couple of the later races.
 
With most of the races completed in smooth and easy conditions it was a day when the back-markers found it difficult to make inroads into their handicap. Rod Marshall took out the day easily a clear 13 points ahead of the second place getter. Rod was one of 4 skippers to win more than one race today, sharing that honour with Peter Sylvester, Rob Cooney and Peter Turner. 
 
John Hall took out second place with the most consistent scorecard and Peter Sylvester took third place also claiming that lovely feeling that comes with winning the last race of the day. Congratulations and well sailed Rod, John and Peter.
 
I have been generally pleased with the fairness of the handicap system used with IOMs but today John Penman somehow outwitted it! John claimed 4th spot without making a podium appearance and gets handicap benefit for our next week. Impressive work John!
 
Coming up:
Saturday and Sunday: A class State Championships at Montrose. Saturday button press at 10:30. Club yacht is available is anyone is interested. Contact Kyle if you’d like to use it.
 
Next Wednesday: IOM Handicap Racing at Risdon Brook Dam. 10:30 button press.
 
Shorty