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A fine late Autumn day at the Brook with a cool W-NW breeze, 3 to 5 knots at first building over the few hours of racing to B Rig conditions of around 10 to 12 knots I would suggest. Fourteen skippers in attendance including Chris Wood launching his new Dragon Flite bringing the "active" DF95 fleet up to 2 boats, and welcome back David Jones from your "itchy feet" travels, it is good to have you back. Stu Harris although entered, did not sail and effectively did the PRO job for the day. Course was start between 1 and 2, right up to 6 then 5, down to 3 and out to 4, back up to 6 and 5, run down to 0 then finish between 1and 2 Race 1 and the breeze was quite light which wasn't favourable for the two light weight DF95's against the IOM's, and starting only 30 seconds ahead of the IOM's, we got left behind with IOM front marker John Smith taking the gun from the ever present Rod Jackman in second and John Banks filling the podium. Race 2 and the handicapper gave mercy and extended the DF95 start to 1:30 to go. With the breeze filled in a little, Chris Wood took advantage of the down wind speed of the Dragon Flite to hold off most off the IOM pack to finish in third place behind line honours receiver Wayne Behrens and David Jones in second place. My DF had a small teething issue and missed the race all due to a failed knot on the mainsheet bridle. The breeze had filled in considerably for the third and final race and most of the fleet had changed to B Rig including the two DF's. Chris and I both got to the top marks before the IOM's and scooted off for the first downwind, extending our lead a little. The IOM's soon came right back on the upwind leg but we were at the top marks first again and enjoyed how quick these yachts are downwind, extending the gap a little by the leeward mark and holding off the IOM's to take first and second with John Smith the first of the IOM's home in third place. Winner of the day with two podiums is John Smith on 8 points with Wayne Behrens second on 13 points, 1 point ahead of third place on countback to Chris Wood and his DF from Rod Jackman on 14 points. Sunday is the Southern Tasmanian Championship for Marbleheads with racing from 10:30 AM. All the best of luck to Jeff Byerley who will be sailing the Victorian Marblehead Titles this weekend as well. Till then, wet sails. Stuart Dawes 
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