IOM Summer Race 03: 18th June 2019

Twelve skippers turned up for today’s sailing, the biggest fleet of the series so far, on a terrible forecast of no wind and torrential rain. As I arrived, the forecast looked pretty accurate, with little activity apart from Hugh who had his sails held high in the air trying to discern a wind direction. All was not lost, as Nigel arrived, so did the wind giving us a gentle northerly, and variations of it.

The racing was close, 7 winners in 7 races completed – is this a record? Congratulations to John Bradshaw for winning his first race in quite a while, he started well, did a good first beat and extended his lead throughout the race. Stan, returning to IOMs, after a spell in the wilderness, showed us how to sail in race 4 by outsailing John Bennett with the two boats well clear of the fleet. On the theme of returnees, welcome back to Peter returning from injury who won race 3. Robin, John M, John T and John Bennett were the other race winners. Well done to John Bennett for just edging the day.