Sadly only seven IOM sailors came to the starting line for this last round of the Winter Series. Having decided to make this a longer racing session, starting at 11:00, the weather forecasts and illness reduced the fleet size to be our smallest on the series.
We were all pleasantly surprised to see a gentle 4 to 6knots blowing down the lake from WNW as we arrived, having had forecasts that were generally no more than 2 knots. Racing got underway soon after 11:00, under the watchful eye’s of Neil Westbrook and Dave Williams. Four races were completed in a breeze that started to die away afte race 3, such that the last race took over 20 minutes to complete and a decision was made to have an early lunch break. Brad won all of races in this early session, with Peter, Olly, Martin and Graham all making up the podium places.
This became an extended lunch break, with racing recommencing at 13:30, with a sea breeze that cane and went through the afternoon. However, we still managed to sail an additional eight races in a breeze that could vary from near zero to 6 knots and change its’ direction as the sea breeze fought with a Northerly gradient.
Brad once again managed to get to the front in most races (picking up five more wins), although the front bunch of five boats were usually not separated by much in most races. Martin had a better afternoon after changing his rig and was usually pushing the race leaders. Olly continued his good form from the morning, still picking up some good results, whilst Graham Elliott was much more on the pace in the afternoon. Peter unfortunately faded after taking a win straight after lunch, but unable to match his form from the morning session.
Clive and Alan meanwhile were having their own race battles behind the leading pack with little to choose between them, although Clive did come out on top in the final reckoning.
So, Brad took the day comfortably from Grahamin in second after a great second session, with Martin third. Thanks to Neil and Dave for running the racing and Dave for the photos once again.
