Mid Week IOM Long Distance Handicap

Today was our first long distance sail for the year and the dam turned on a great day with mid-twenties temperature and a nice Southerly of around 5 knots blowing for most of the day. This meant that we had a great windward beat right up the dam. 
 
The wind was steady for most of the day but in the last race we had the full compass of directions and gusts of up to 15 knots which put us to the test.
 
The new rescue dinghy was used today for the first time and the report was that it felt way more comfortable and more seaworthy than its predecessor. All up it should be a great asset to the club.
 
With a later finish time today we were able to complete 8 races of the long course. In retrospect that was some sort of Ironman Marathon effort and I for one was done by the time that I got home. Consequently, I suggest that we make 8 races the maximum for long distance days!
 
Jammy Jones sailed just three races today and won two of them before retiring early for the day taking maximum advantage of the adage, “you are only as good as your last race”. Actually it is not a bad example for anyone who is thinking that long distance days might be too much: Come and sail for the morning only.
 
As far as the overall placings went, David Woolley took out 3rd place sailing well to hold his place as back markers caught up with the pack. 1st and 2nd were taken by the back markers Gary McCarthy and Ray Joyce. The pair tied on points with Ray getting the nod with 2 race wins to his credit. Ray’s sail was particularly impressive today as his handicap quickly went to the maximum 90 seconds but he was still competitive from there, sailing the Britpop with excellent boat speed and making good course decisions. Congratulations Sheep, Gary and Ray!
 
Coming Up:
 
Sunday: Marblehead Scratch Racing at Montrose (1:00 button press) - If you want to have a try of one of the Club Marbleheads, please contact Kyle, who will try to arrange one of them for you to use - we have multiple boats that could be made available.

Next Wednesday: DF95 Handicap racing at Risdon Brook Dam (10:30 button press)
 
Please also note that there has been a calendar change for the upcoming Woodies/Classics event. To encourage Northerners to make the trip down the Woodies/Classics day is now on Saturday 7th Feb at Risdon Brook Dam and will be followed by an IOM Scratch day on the 8th at Montrose.
 
Shorty