Mid Week IOM Handicap

It was good just to get back to Wednesday sailing after a couple of handicap events cancelled. With the temperature forecast for 17 and a good breeze promised 14 skippers turned up for today’s event at the dam. The wind was straight Northerly and about 20 to 25 knots and so B-rigs were the obvious choice. In a couple of the races before lunch we were well overpowered and knockdowns and nose-dives were common. Fortunately the wind did moderate for the afternoon’s session and the day was completed without major incidents.
 
It was the sort of day where it was difficult to decide whether it was best to work the shore-line where working the shifts earned you ground or to stay out where there were less wind holes. An ounce of luck was a good thing.
 
Thanks to Lisa for taking on PRO duties in the afternoon session. It was the sort of day when an on-duty PRO was really needed.
 
Today’s racing was, in fact, a handicap shield event as it had been held over twice consecutively due to the cancellations.
 
It was the mid-fleeters who featured in the results . Ricky Price continues to excel with his new boat and took third spot with two wins a second place in his total. I managed second today with some good sailing in the afternoon. It was Phil Jackman’s day though with consistent good sailing well earning him the win. Congratulations Trout!
 
All three of us unfortunately fall victim to the handicap snare: Too many trips to the podium earns you handicap penalty!
 
Coming up:
 
Sunday: DF95 scratch racing at Risdon Brook Dam. (10:00 button press)
Next Wednesday: IOM handicap racing at Risdon Brook Dam. (11:00 button press)
 
Shorty