7 skippers were greeted with a wind that exceeded the calm forecast, with a North Easterly wind 6 – 7 knots, and a bright hot sunny day. With all the skippers on the water early and eager to get sailing, some practice starts were done ahead of official racing. At 10:10 Racing got underway with a long course set. Starting 11 and Green Throw-in, Yp, 14p, Yp, 14p, Finish 11 & Green.
Break was called after 4 races, after which the course was shortened slightly: Start 11 & Green, Yp, 11p, Yp, 14p, finish 11 & green. This short first run did catch a few skippers out for a couple having set themselves up for a long run, sailing further than the rest of the boats, including the race officer.
After 8 races, we stopped for lunch and a cool down under the tree. Racing recommenced at 12:45 with a shortened course, this allowed another 8 races to be completed before 2pm.
There was close racing throughout the fleet, with some boats only separated by a bow bumper at the finish line. Nearly all skippers had a turn at the top of the fleet.
Although hot in the sunshine, the breeze held all day. Thank you to all the skippers for their on water discipline and completing any penalties without being called.
It was a very good turnout for the DF65 fleet today. The normal faces were joined by Geoff and Vernon. Vernon who has not sailed a DF65 before and managed a 5th Place on his first outing in the class.
Geoff also showed us all he has still be practicing, finishing in a respectable 3rd place.
Congratulations to Buzz on the overall Win today and Ian in second place.
For those attending the DF65 Nationals at the beginning of June, I wish you all good luck. For the rest of the fleet, the next DF65 Sailing event is the Eastern District Open event at Coalhouse Fort on the 28th June.
Coalhouse Fort Radio Yacht Club 