Handicap Race 4 Vice Commodores Cup 16th August 2026
The Marina served up excellent sunny conditions for racing today, with a healthy southerly wind that shifted into an easterly breeze, creating a few lively nose dives on the downwind runs.
Competitor numbers were a little lower than usual, especially in the DF65 fleet, with several sailors away on holiday in dark and distant parts of the world. Even so, the racing stayed close and competitive, with only a few points separating the podium finishers.
It was a great spectacle for those watching. We ran the DF65 fleet on an upwind/downwind course inside an IOM triangular course, with the DF65s making port roundings and the IOMs making starboard roundings. Amazingly, apart from a few near misses (and a few not so near), it all worked extremely well.
In the IOM fleet, David Bliss took home the Vice Commodore’s trophy. It was his first race meeting at the Marina, and he did a great job to secure the win, well done. In the DF65 fleet, Noel had a convincing victory, coming first in four of the ten heats to take the DF65 trophy. Unfortunately, Tim and Russell suffered gear failures early in the DF65 racing and had to retire for the day.
A special thank you goes to Peter Harris, who has built a ladder to provide safer access to the water. The existing slippery steps and walls do not make launching easy, so the new ladder will be a great help.
We finished the event with a BBQ, and all in all, everyone had a great time. Once again, a big thank you to all the officers and helpers who make these events such a success.
