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IOM Winter Series 6, 25/1/14

Wow!……… Well that was exciting.
The forecast indicated South Westerly squalls of 22 mph with 38 mph gusts, however, we were greeted with bright skies and a swirling 10 mph breeze in 10°C.
So after we had all trimmed our tops suits, the weather decided it was time to follow the forecast……….. all change to the second suits!
With nine skippers hoping to test their skills and boats, it was Graham who proceeded to dominatein the difficult conditions, at one time a 50mph squall came through, putting white horses on top of white horses – time for that brew?
The wind now shifted further west and was now blowing straight down the lake increasing the wave height. The fleet was split between those that changed down to the third suit and those that remained with the second.
It was now a gamble on when and where the gusts hit the race track.
Graham continued to dominate, however the racing was extremely tight throughout for the rest of the fleet.
Newcomer to model yachting and the Club, Tom Clarke, showed good pace in patches and is hoping for calmer conditions next time out.
With 9 races completed and boats retiring, it was time to call it a day.
Many thanks to the Race Team – Ernie, Jack & Bernie for braving the elements and keeping the racing moving along on a very trying day.
Lets hope for better weather next time round, which will hopefully tempt a few more members.
Race Report by Dave Burke
1. Graham Elliott,   7 pts
2. Dave Burke,   21
3. Dave Potter,   24 (count back to 4th places)
4. Bill Culshaw,   24
5. Martin Roberts,   33
6. Dave Williams,   35
7. John Fozard,   41
8. Dave Pickup,   47
9. Colin Smith,   62
10. Tom Clarke,   74
9 races