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

Jen and Martyn arrived at Scotland Farm at 9am to find the bank side deserted and thought they had the day off!

However, another four skippers finally arrived and a course was set for an awkward South Easterly wind.

We welcomed Paul Kelly as a visitor and hopefully a future member.  Jen, Martyn and Richard kindly offered their boats for him to sail during the morning and Paul performed very well.

As this was a fun pursuit race day, handicaps were allocated and adjusted throughout the morning.

Sailing from the south bank down to the clubhouse the shifty wind gave opportunities for changes in the positions throughout the fleet.  I think a good morning was had by all.

Thanks to all the helpers getting out the equipment and putting it away after racing.

With seven of the regular Lincoln skippers away at the IOM ranking event at fleetwood MYC it was no surprise that todays attendance was down. Five skippers were ready to go before the scheduled 10:00am start time and a sixth skipper arrived soon after.

The forecast light westerly breeze remained consistent throughout the mornings racing and fortunately the light rain did not materialise. Kevin E, the stand in race officer, had everything ready early and the marks set for a course on the south bank to suit the westerly 7/8 knot wind.

Five skippers started early on the understanding that the race would be deemed a practice if any skippers arrived later. This was the case, with a sixth skipper arriving later, but its worth noting that Colin H 301 took the win in the practice race.

Racing started proper at 10:00am, Mike W 76 sailing well to win the first two races closely followed by Kevin E 02 in both. By the third race Richard J 699 was just getting into form taking the win again closely followed by Kevin E 02. Pete C 110 also took two wins on the day and Colin H 301 took one (and the practice race).

A great mornings racing despite a large number of skippers away at ranking events. The racing was competitive and good natured with four of the six skippers taking wins, but the outstanding skipper of the day must go to Richard J 699, taking wins in five of the 10 races…..well done Richard.

Thanks to everyone for helping to put the kit away