11 Helms turned up for the first race day of the DF95 winter series which was an excellent turnout, Dave Williams was our RO for the day and the original Race Officer borrowe Dave’s boat for a 95 outing instead. Although the sun was shining, the wind gods were having a holiday and we were greeted by a light southwesterly of sorts. However depending where you were stood along the lake this could be a northwesterly, or northeasterly, I think you can get the picture.
First race was slightly delayed as the ultra reliable Dave Williams had watch trouble, we won’t say any more. The course was set with the start at the far end of the lake, with a windward mark taken to port a spreader then a run, reach and beat (not necessarily in that order on this ocassion) to the gate, the finish was between 2 buoys halfway down the lake. Due to the conditions a single lap was agreed
Race 1 Everyone got away reasonably well 5 boats Alan, John Br, Neil, Clive and Frans managed to master the light airs better than the others, or were they just in the right place at the right time. The lead changed hands many times, but rounding the gate Alan lead the fleet with John Br second, Clive third, Neil fourth and Frans fifth, but it was anyones race.
Finishing position were Clive, John Br, Neil, Frans and the unfortunate Alan, dropping from 1st to 5th
Race 2 Started with the wind dropping even more, 3 boats broke drifted clear Neil, John Br and Dave’s borrowed boat managed to stay clear to the finish. There was then a small gap to Paul, Alan and Clive. After the first 3 finishers the RO finished the rest of the fleet in their positions on the water as the wind had all but disappeared
Lunch was taken and a good chat ensued amongst the helms, the wind disappeared completely and the rest of the day cancelled as far as sailing was concerned.
