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DF65 & DF95 Social Racing 2026 – 01/04/26

DF65’s

We arrived today expecting no wind, but in fact there was a gentle NW ish breeze blowing with just enough Northerly in it to miss the clubside housing. Another excellent turnout of 11 skippers started, including ex-Commodore John B, for what turned out to be a really interesting mornings racing very kindly run by Neil who got the racing away promptly.

The start looked to favour a port tack start but the line could be laid on Starboard. James made a couple of port tack flier starts work, but the size of the fleet and the shifts meant most preferred to approach on starboard. Line discipline was surprisingly good, with only one general, so Neil didn’t have to use the threatened black flag.

Initially it appeared to pay to continue on starboard before tacking, but again that changed during the morning, and then at the top of the beat there was a big port tack lift – but not every time – and also an intermittent very flat patch at the far side before the starboard layline tack to the top mark which caught a few out.

The gate was also interesting with successful last beats made from both sides, and a surprising amount of place swapping on this last leg.

John B showed his experience and class by winning 4 of the 9 races sailed to win by two points from James who took a couple of races to get going but thereafter sailed very consistently to a close second place.

Alan was the best of the rest, beating Mike on countback for third and closely followed by John in fifth. Very nice to welcome Martin James back and a well done to Stuart Mearns who is sailing quicker every time and finished the day in sixth.

Very close racing on the water with the usual thanks to Dave for organising us and taking the pictures, and today to Neil for ROing on a really chilly day.

DF95’s

Five keen skippers made it to the start line for a very enjoyable afternoon

Numbers down a tad due to several Skippers away on “Grandad “duties, it being half term week.
For the first two races it was ultra light airs and the consensus was to pack it in, but lo and behold a fickle gentle breeze arrived that slowly settled into something more steady.
The sun came out too and the skippers decided mid race to have a slightly extended mini break to shed clothing as it was too hot ! Spring is in the air at last .
Some very close racing between Alan and Guy with Alan taking overall on the day  by one point.  Charles was a consistent third . Stuart had some flashes of brilliance and Steve had a cracking win.
Post race, several Skippers swapped boats for some tuning and it was decided that Steve’s “Black Pig “ was way over sensitive with too much rudder throw.   It’s no wonder he has been writing his name in the sea on  occasions! Stuart tweaked Steve’s tx so expect more pace from The  “Black Pig “ going forward.