As part of my evolution in Lincoln Radio Sailing club it was time for my first go at Race Officer ably assisted by Kevin Evison and guided by Tim Hand.  Having arrived early we set a course straight down the club house bank with a very light wind and waited for the fleet to arrive.  We didn’t expect a large fleet with Jen and Martyn already deported to Australia and several others away at the likes of Fleetwood.  In the end 6 boats were on the water including a new member Paul Kelly who had his first outing with a DF95…more later.  The wind although steady was very light so the course length was reduced by Race Control by .05 of a nautical mile.  We started racing early and had completed three races by 1000hrs.  I felt the shorter races gave me more chances of making good adjustments and practising starts.  By the close of play we had completed 12 races.  We decided to send Tim off on a high by letting him win all 12 even when crossing the line early he made up water to win.  A brilliant effort.  The highlights of the day were the new member Paul getting 3 second places and his sailing experience showed from the start.  In Race 10 all 6 boats rounded the gate separated by less than 4 boats length.  I was expecting carnage but even with my eyes closed everyone rounded the mark, no contact, no protests and we all sailed off into the distance behind Tim.  Cooperman was suffering from a twitchy servo although his boat was generally fast, possibly due to the amount of water taken on board. 

Thanks for everyone helping out not a single protest although someone thought they heard Mick shout in Fleetwood.  Less than 10 penalty turns required mostly by myself and Paul learnt that if you get to close to the buoy they hook you.  A great morning and thanks to Colin for the results and slowing his boat to let Tim win.  Go Team Lincoln at the worlds.

Richard Jutsam