DF95 Handicap Racing Results

Best day on the lake in some time. We arrived to a strong northerly breeze that was right on the top of the A rig capability. The problem with this was the top mark was placed high near the north bank. Well, actually about 30meters off the bank but the tree effect still caused swirling and calm spots which made planning a good starboard approach quite difficult for many of the skippers.

 

Conditions were perfect for a winter day in the sun, about 23°C with full sunshine and breeze.

 

We set up a long course from the top marks all the way down to the southern bank with the start / finish line about half way. The long course helped separate skippers as clear air was available for most when required. Heading way out on the lake sometimes helped with the move upwind to the top but as usual staying on the layline helps keep the distance shorter.

 

Today was a handicap start day and we separated the skippers out from scratch to 90 seconds for the hired guns. This works well because in that first race Lewis took the win from Ross with Jason catching them all. I find the early races show the skippers offered too low a handicap to start the regatta but seeing the earlier skippers win is the reward and proof the system works. It is not designed to benefit the guns, since they need to pass the whole fleet every race. It is designed to help skippers who normally don't see the front of the fleet gain confidence by winning individual races.

 

We had 9 different winners out of 9 races. To me that shows the program works and I hope those winners feel that win showed they could sail fast without errors when they are in clear air.

 

Unfortunately the last two races were affected by the 3.00pm afternoon calm. In winter we don't get the seabreeze late in the afternoon, often called the Freo Docker. In winter it just becomes still and as the sun sets it becomes chilly. There is also a cold front forecasted for Friday and the departing high keeps this northerly air just moving.

 

Congratulations to our regatta winner Graeme Elliott (still waiting for RAC when we all left) who is sailing very well. In second was Jason Poutsma (newest member into the Australian DF95 Global Championship team) and in third place was VP Ross Turnbull showing he still has lots of class.