Race report 28th January 2024 DF65’s at Lincoln

Mike Williams as OD had the tricky job of setting the buoys and the course for a Southerly breeze blowing diagonally across the water. A zig-zag course was specified with 2 beats covering the full length of the South bank and a run from the upwind spreader mark back up to the top of the lake.

A+ sails were the order of the day with the 1½ lap course taking about 12 minutes in a good breeze that warmed during the day and occasionally gusted, causing some difficulties. The bank side was in a wind shadow which allowed judgement to be applied regarding how close to the bank one should sail and whether the available lifts were worthwhile.

Mick C showed his usual skill with the DF65, taking 4 of the 5 initial races before he had to leave for an engagement. He was hounded, mainly by Mike, Jen and Martyn en-route to his pole positions, but kept his cool and had to run the score sheet far more than he likes to! Mick’s absence from the last 3 races cost him the day as Martyn maintained a fairly consistent performance (apart from a weeded-up race) and got in front on final points count. Sorry Mick! Richard J found his form after a boat re-rig during the coffee break and took 3rd spot. It’s good to see Richard back after his Achilles tendon issues. Jen suffered a radio failure and took a long walk round the lake for her boat. There were no other serious issues.

It was a great sailing day, but only 7 skippers! Where are you folks? You are missing out on some really good competitive fun with these great little boats!

Many thanks to Mike for the setup and for guiding the day’s racing. Thanks to all for the group effort on the final tidy away. See you next week!

Martyn Aspinall

28th January 2024

Two reports for you all today

Lovely morning greeted 7 skippers only ( very small turnout ) Moderate breeze from the South East allowed A + rigs to be used on the South bank , Mike W kindly got the buoys out and a long beat and run course was set for the first two races before it was shortened to enable more races . The temperature was fine Sunny periods , and no rain. Unfortunately the assistant OOD did not turn up but we all mucked in, unfortunately the first fine of the 2024 season goes to Colin T .

The first 3 races were bullets for Mick C 46 with Martyn A 66 always in contention, in fact the third race, Mick C 46 nicked it with 12 inches to go to the finish, Race four Martyn got his just desserts by getting a good start and was never caught, around this time there were some comparison taken with skippers set ups , mainsail twist , where the booms should be , even jib twist was looked at, Jen H 69 then had a bit of a problem with the Radio , which after retrieving the boat from the far bank she sorted it during coffee break, Richard J 699 was not going too well , but a few adjustments and after coffee was going so much better and in fact took a couple of wins in the last three races, Peter C 110 got a very nice 2nd as did Jen H 69 , Mike W 76 had a couple of 2nds, A couple of skippers had to finish a little earlier than usual, and all in all it was a good mornings racing with a steady breeze, many thanks to all who helped out , and many congratulations to Martyn for the win which I am sure has him well in control of the series, Richard J 699 is recovering well from his Achilles, and is showing good form, A very nice day , just a bit short on skippers .

Mick C