There was an excellent turnout of 12 boats for todays DF95 racing with the sailors served up an excellent mid to top end of A suit breeze straight down the lake from the far end. After Peter had tweaked the marks for a good windward leeward course, racing got underway promptly at 12:00 as with 12 racing and no designated RO, we needed to get 12 races completed to allow everyone to undertake an RO duty and avoid averaging results.
The most common sail number at the front of the fleet seemed to end in 84, with both 84 (sailed by John Brierley) and 184 being loaned by John to Martin Roberts for the day. Between them, Martin and John took ten of the wins, with Martin bagging six (one whilst sailing 429) and John Brierley four. Peter Baldwin picked up the remaining two wins. We also had a couple of guest sailors who used Martin’s boat to very good effect with them both finishing their races in the top 5.
There were some notable results elsewhere across the fleet with top 3 finishes in a number of races by Neil Westbrook, Alan Watkinson and Tony Sedgwick. Dave Williams, Dave Howard and Frans King also had some good results after starting well and being well placed at the first windward mark.
Some close finishes across the fleet in many races, we unfortunately lost one boat at half time due to illness and then by the end another couple through unfortunate gear failure.
A great days racing, with a well deserved winner in Martin Roberts, John Brierley second, followed closely by Peter Baldwin just one point behind.
Next week is IOM Winter #4, with 6 entries so far and more promised. It’s looking to be a strong field.
