Full Results Round  (1) of the M & S District IOM Championship (L) held on the Rick Pond on Sunday February 10th, 2008.

                        21 Skippers from 8 different clubs gathered at the Rick pond Hampton Court, to compete in the first round of the 2008 MYA District IOM championship.

    At 08.00 there was a heavy frost, thick mist, and no wind. . the Race Officer’s classic worst scenario. The good news was that the forecast was for a quick warm up and a sunny day. After the briefing and a delay for some wind to appear, the first B heat was off in very light winds at 10.18 to a simple rectangular course with, where possible, reaching legs to keep the boats moving. This largely worked and the races were taking typically 10 mins to finish. It was not a very inspiring course and a good start was essential, as was an element of luck, but as usual it seemed always that the good guys were able to make the best of the conditions.

    The wind improved and gradually established a steady direction, at first easterly and by early afternoon, more N.easterly. This enabled me (with good advice) to set a more challenging course, At first with a series of zigzags which gave 3 reasonably good windward legs, and finally a good long leg that tested windward boat speed and wind shift anticipation. We ate our lunch between races and despite our late start and slow beginnings, were able to complete 8 race pairs in this 2 fleet contest by 15.15.

    Early results showed as expected, that Ken Binks would be a favourite. Keith Tyson, Dave Andrews, Peter Wiles, Peter Popham, and John Cleave were not far behind. By race 5, with the first discard in place, our local hero Dave Andrews, had taken the lead from Ken Binks. This position remained and Dave Andrews continued his winning form having by that time, 3 first places to Ken’s 2 wins. Dave demonstrated his better windward boat speed in the exciting last race and won the event by 4.7 points from Ken Binks (Ken had been given average points in race 5 after a no blame contact).

    Our senior member John Mayhew presented prizes to the 8 leading skippers. He thanked all the skippers for coming and making it such a pleasant day. I echo that, it was a pleasure to run an event with such good sports. I also thank my race team of Laurie Bower, Peter Constable, Andy Allen, John Mayhew, and Wendy Moss . . . I couldn’t do it without you. Dennis Moss.