DF65
Another good turnout of 15 DF65 sailors arrived to a brisk North Westerly breeze and a cool autumn day. After a bit of course adjustment the usual course format was used with a line which slightly favoured a pin end start. B rigs were chosen and racing was again close right across the fleet. Race officer duties were initially going to be shared but Neil Westbrook arrived – but not to sail – and very kindly agreed to run the rest of the racing. Thanks Neil!
The wind proved unstable despite the direction, which is reflected in the results showing 6 different winners over the 10 races sailed. There was a fair amount of contact in the gusty conditions and a number of OCS calls.
Tony ran out the winner with a string of good results, very closely chased the whole way by John Carlin who only lost out on number of wins.
Finally, all sailors are asked to remember that Wednesday morning sailing is titled ‘Social Racing’ where all sailors are welcome to participate, no matter their skill or experience enabling them to grow and fluorish. Occasionally problems do arise, but frustrating as it may be, there is a need for calmness and respectful behaviour at all times.
Final Positions were:
- Tony Sedgwick 15 pts 4 wins
- John Carlin 15 pts 2 wins
- Mike de St Paer 25 pts 1 win
- Andrew Potter 35 pts
- Jon Whitehead 36 pts 1 win
- James Douglas 41 pts 1 win
- Clive Warren 42 pts
- Dave Williams 61pts
- Alan Watkinson 62 pts 1 win
- John Beech 63 pts
- Richard Walker 76 pts
- Charles Legg 81 pts
- Sally Collings 87 pts
- Malcolm Harvey 91 pts
- Dave Howard 97 pts
DF95
After the morning DF65 sailing, 7 skippers stayed behind to sail their 95s. The wind was very similar to the morning session with a good breeze, there were enough shifts and holes to keep the helms on their toes and to provide some very close racing throughout the fleet.
Unfortunately, John Beech suffered rigging problems whilst setting his boat up, and despite help from Clive was unable to sort the issue which seemed to be a winch problem. This meant 6 boats were left to fight it out for the days bragging rights
Race 1, as John B was sidelined, he volunteered to be the RO for the afternoon (thanks John) Clive missed the start of the first race, which was won by John Carlin followed home by Alan Watkinson. Race 2, then saw Clive back in action with a vengeance taking the win followed home by John C. Race 3, with the majority of the fleet at the port end of the line it was Dave Howard saw his opportunity and got a flyer from the starboard end, which he held to the end, with Alan Watkinson closing in but ran out of time finishing second. This was a great win for Dave who is a newcomer to RC sailing and never sailed in any form previously. Race 4, had a close finish with all boats close at the last mark, Richard Walker and Clive benefitting from a good wind shift which moved them up the fleet from 4th and 5th at the last mark respectively to 1st and 2nd across the line. Race 5, saw Tony Sedgwick in his borrowed boat (kindly lent by Andrew Peter, whilst his own boat is on order) finally getting to grips with the 95 after showing very good speed in his 65, this was a rare outing for Tony in the 95 as a prelim to the weekend TT at Fleetwood. Races 6, 7 and 8, were very similar to each other, the main difference was race 8 being 2 laps. The races themselves were all very close with John Carlin picking up his 2nd win in race 6 with Tony following him home in second place. Unfortunately Alan had to leave after this race. Then in race 7 Tony picked up his second win of the afternoon, with John chasing him home. Finally in Race 8 Richard picked up his second win with Tony following him home in second place.
The afternoon racing was very enjoyable with very close racing throughout the fleet with 5 of the 6 helms recording a first place. Thanks again to John B for being the RO for the afternoon and keeping us in check at the start.
Final standings after 8 races with 1 discard
1 John Carlin 15pts (2 wins)
2 Tony Sedgwick 16pts (2 wins)
3 Clive Warren 22pts (1 win)
4 Richard Walker 24pts (2 wins)
5 Dave Howard 29pts (1 win)
6 Alan Watkinson 30pts (only 6 races sailed)
