A reduced fleet due to National events afar presented themselves for the Midday start with a patchy SW breeze arcing across the lake.
PRO Dave Williams ably assisted by Neil Westbrook opted for a clubhouse end startline for race 1 with skippers timing their runs for an eased shhets first leg. It quickly became apparent that driving deep in gusts and trimming in for height in the lighter spots would take full concentration. Race winners up until the halfway break were Brad 3, Rob McIntosh 2 and Martin Roberts with 1, plus Andrea Roberts well in the mix with the leading pack. Alan Watkinson sadly succumbed early on to electrical issues.
After a biTE to eat and a drink, skippers returned to conditions swinging a little further to the right and a decision was taken for Race 8 to start from the far end with a more traditional windward beat forming over the course. While the leading group of 4 continued their tussle with often a struck match, or secret squall between them, others were getting to grips with the conditions. Our ‘Rookie’ Noah McIntosh was improving at a rate that saw him mixing with the lead group for extended periods, claiming a 4th place finish. Both Phyl Fanning and John Beech being new to the fleet showed continued improvement over the day to a level where latter races were finished with the full fleet on the same leg in at times top limit gusts and tricky shifts.
A good day across the board saw Brad take a closely fought win from Martin and Rob back in third. Once again, thanks to Dave and Neil for a superb effort in at time trying conditions.
Our next Race Day is on the 12th of April as the final hitout for club members and guests before the Nationals at Lincoln over the Easter Break. Entries can be made on the link below to join us for some of the UKs best IOM racing.
