Despite a raging gale of over 40knots being forecast, our hardy IOM sailors turned out to test their skills against the forces of nature. Much to our surprise C suits were however not required and the fleet set off in a mix of B and top suits on a reaching course. Despite heavy gusts from over/between the houses, it soon became clear that the braver skippers who had opted for the larger sails had the advantage with Graham Elliott in his borrowed Widget “Miffy”, showing the way. New member, Colin Deakin with his super wooden Corby creation (one of 3 wooden boats on the water) and not so new member Dave Williams in his Lintel, were also making the most of the challenging conditions.
The tea break saw most of the fleet changing up to top suits and battle resumed in slightly stronger conditions with little change to the standings until fading light stopped play.
Thanks as ever to the race team of Jack & Bernie.
Report – Graham Birkett
1. Graham Elliott, 7 pts
2. Bill Culshaw, 19
3. Dave Potter, 23
4. Dave Williams, 25
5. Graham Birkett, 27
6. Colin Deakin, 33
7. John Brierley, 50
8. Peter Baldwin, 54
9. Dave Pickup, 63
10. Alan Watkinson, 64
11. Mike Stanton, 67
12. Andrew Peter, 79
13. Lawrence Drennan, 83
14. Martin Roberts, 105
9 races
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