A Grand Day Out.

Events in January are always at the mercy of the weather and coming into the 2nd Round of the Midland District IOM Winter Series it looked this may become a victim. The days preceding had seen below zero temperatures and biting Northerly breeze, to be followed by Storm Isha, offering 50mph gusts so it was with some relief when RO Darin Ballington was called on Saturday to say the lake was sailable, and then absolute delight when on arrival the competitors were met by a high single digital temperature and good top suit breeze straight down the lake. If it were not for dry January, you could call this champagne sailing at Lincoln Radio Sailing Club!

Although the fleet was smaller than usual; the weather and an unfortunate clash with other events probably robbing us of probably 10 skippers, those who turned up were treated to a fantastic day of tight competitive racing. The windward/leeward course was long enough to give everyone chance to shine, and with the odd tweak during the day the racing stayed fun and challenging for all, but it was obvious in the morning that Dorian had got his “game head” on and was going to be difficult to beat, although he probably didn’t think this as he was entangled with another boat on the start of race one.

Race one was won by Graham Whalley, coming out of the traps early and having his boat trimmed just right for the conditions he hit the sweet spot. A couple of competitors were hampered by their trust in the forecasters and the lack of A rigs in their cars. Lessons learned; I am sure.

The morning continued to be tough for those with their B rig on, however, by race 5 & 6 all competitors were equal as the breeze was now such that the gusts were flattening the large rigs too often and everyone had opted for their B Rig. Those who started on B, Tim Hand and Kevin Evison were now more competitive and earlier B rig adopter, Simon Richardson was showing the benefits of being in control, with a fine 3rd place. The front positions were tight all through the day with often 2,3,or 4 skippers crossing the line almost together. Dorian Crease was showing the consistency that would eventually pay dividends by recording three bullets and a 2nd in the first 6 races. Sailing his new boat, he was always fast and usually in the right place, mixing it well with the locals…

After lunch the wind (it was now wind, not breeze) had built to such an extent that C Rigs were put on by all the fleet, for some this was the first time these had been on, for others the cobwebs had to be brushed off, but it’s a testament to the quality of the fleet and preparation that we started and finished with the same number of skippers despite the strong gusts. After lunch the fight continued between Chris Elliott, Tim, Dorian, and Rob Wilson, with Rob showing more consistency to start to peg back Dorian, although from race 12 onwards Dorian pulled away again to take the day.

Tracey Ballington had one of her best days, with 4 third places to give her a well-deserved 5th place overall. The only competitor not yet mentioned is Mike Williams, who despite a few rig issues fought the wind and other skippers manfully, recording a fine 4th place in race 15.

With the light fading and the gusts strengthening the end of racing was called at 3.30pm and everyone was on their way home by 4.15pm.

At the prize giving everyone thanked the race team for a superb day’s racing, with Sam Parker, Colin Helliwell and Richard Jutsum doing sterling work to keep the racing competitive and fun.

Thanks guys.

Although the numbers don’t tell everything the race wins were:

Dorian – 9No

Rob – 4No

Tim – 2No

Graham – 1No

Sailing Images below and score sheet provided.