DF95 Commemorative Regatta

Sean Wallis took the crown from a very hot fleet

As the race officer you hope the conditions suit all skippers out on the lake, where sailing skills show through and not wind shifts or weather. Today we had a beautiful warm, sunny afternoon with solid easterly breezes that were right on the edge of A rig capability. Breezes were forecast to vary from 3 to 12 knots dying off later in the afternoon and with no rainfall in sight. Reality was a steady 5 to 10 knots changing from Easterly to South Easterly, but this is the best course we can provide on Austin lake. We thank Lawrie for bringing down the ALRS Club Buoy Bots and setting a good course using them where possible.

We had an awesome 18 × DF95 boats head out to do battle. There were 7 clubs represented with visitors like Rijk Hendricks venturing over from Tasmania for a rest. The numbers strength was with visiting Wanderers members nearly matched by Austin Lakes, Perth Radio Sailing, Albany RC Sailing, Champion Lakes and Harrington Lake. We asked how many former title holders in any class of boat. One skipper with 2 world titles, 3 skippers with national titles, 5 skippers with State Titles, 6 skippers had won a DF95 Ranking Regatta. It was a very strong fleet and the racing showed these skills in nearly every race.

The actual racing was for the most part very clean with the odd error creeping in when boats were bunched on start lines or rounding the windward mark. The disappointing contacts were between the leading boats swimming on starboard back through the fleet and running boats not giving enough room or not moving at all resulting in at least three boat lockups and potential damage. Give room early and if possible go behind the tight hauled boat, this will reduce dangerous incidents. Most of the top mark incidents were caused by skippers setting their approach tack too tight to the buoys. They always move around 1 - 2 meters, so allowing room was critical to fast clean sailing.

Our winner today was Sean Wallis who has only recently picked up a DF95 but as a former National IOM Champion the knowledge and race craft was clear to see. He was very clean and clear in nearly all races, a very worthy winner. In second place finishing with wins in the last three races was Nick Jerwood, who unfortunately became caught up in incidents on the first leg of at least 4 races. Our third place went to local legend Ian Sherriff who still positions his boat well and ends up with good results. There were 6 individual race winners during the 14 races, which shows the importance of a clean fast start and covering the chase pack for the rest of the legs. Well done to all skippers and thank you for the entertainment.