DF95 handicap results from 29th July

Another wonderful day out on the lake in the sunshine with forecast north east breezes that varied from 1 - 6 knots. We set up the course across the lake using as much of the wind channels as we could. It is always easy to see this at 12.30pm but as soon as we push start on that first race the lake seems to know and the breezes swirl and make sailing sometimes a lottery. One minute it is a stiff port tack up to the windward mark then after just 10 meters it dies off and you are nearly becalmed trying to get back on a weak starboard tack. Or you get out in front and choose the high line only to see the fleet take a lower line and swish past you. It was one of those days. Credit to the skippers that picked those changes.

 

We had 13 skippers come on out and register to race the handicap format. Today's top ten skippers are all sailing at a similar speed over the water so decisions on tacking make big differences when you get to the mark. The top 11 skippers all had at least one individual race win which is why handicap racing works. There were several races that had super close finishes with 6 - 8 boats all trying to cross within meters of each other.

Unfortunately we lost Kevin after race 8 but he stayed and acted as PRO for the remaining racing, thank you Kevin. We also welcomed Sue Jordan who is just starting the RC sailing journey but she did complete the first 6 races and given her sailing history will not take long to pick up the thumb controls of a sleek DF95.

 

Our winner today, still sailing very well, was Ian Sherriff from returning star Mark Robins in second and with Mark Lovelady in third. Well sailed boys.

 

Before sailing we congratulated Ian Sherriff on his third at South of Perth Yacht Club last weekend and noted great performances by Greg Reynolds, Mark Lovelady, Andrew Patterson and Donks. We also thanked Kevin Matthews for volunteering to crew the rescue boat with Lewis Arndt. Comments about the practice regatta were mostly positive. It is a great facility for RC Sailing regattas. Safety on the jetty and down to the beach was mentioned as needing some attention given we are all getting older and not as stable as we were. The State Championship will be a spicy one with new challenges to test skippers.

 

Last night the Australian DF Class association ADFRSA held their AGM and Donks has remained President with Janet Jerwood gracing us as Secretary. This association is your link to your state ARYA association (in WA it is RSAWA) as well as the International Association, who set the class rules and developments so we remain a single design racing class. A big part of our success is the similarity of the yachts, it is the skippers that guide them to the front in races. The Association is also tasked with assisting clubs set and for coordinating ranking events between clubs. Your WA State Representative, Brian Schnieder has again volunteered to help make the DF Community racing fun and enjoyable. If you have any questions regarding your boat or the club please reach out for assistance.