Race report: Eastern District DF95 Championship Round 2

On 7th September 2025 Coalhouse Fort RYC welcomed 17 helms for Round 3 of the DF95 Eastern District Championship in near-perfect sailing conditions.

Due to a more easterly wind than forecast, PRO Andy Seymour set a zigzag course for the opening races following the skipper briefing. Four races were completed on this course before the wind swung more southerly and increased to around 10mph, allowing a more conventional windward/leeward course to be laid. This setup, with minor directional tweaks, remained in place for the rest of the day.

Early pace-setters included Dave Adams, Buzz Coleman, and Hayden Wallace, with the chasing pack not far behind.
As the morning progressed, the wind continued to build and shift further south. After Race 7, an early lunch break was called to allow skippers to change down to ‘B’ rigs. The course was also adjusted, lengthened and shifted further along the lake to suit the new conditions.

Then came Race 8. A sudden squall swept in and slammed the fleet, beaching four boats on the far bank. Just as the chaos peaked, every mobile phone in the park began blaring the emergency alert. For a full minute, confusion reigned—some even thought the rescue boat crew had hit the big red panic button. Fortunately, it was just a well-timed national test. Perfect timing, really.

The afternoon’s racing brought highly variable conditions. Some races were solid ‘B’ rig territory; others swung back to ‘A’ rig weather, before returning again to ‘B’. Most skippers stuck with the safer ‘B’ rig, but the shifting conditions and rising stress levels began to take their toll and several competitors retired due to equipment issues. Most notably, Dave Adams, who had been leading the scoreboard, suffered a gear failure in Race 12 and had to retire.

Initially, two competitors per race were pulled as observers. However, by mid-morning, the race committee judged that the fleet’s conduct was exemplary, with on-water discipline consistently good and penalties taken promptly, often before being called. Once all skippers had completed one observing duty, no further observers were pulled from the fleet.

Racing concluded after 14 races, with an eye on the clock and several competitors facing long journeys home. As always, the DF95 class delivered close, competitive racing throughout the fleet and, importantly, maintained the friendly, sporting atmosphere the class is known for.

Final Results:
1st – Buzz Coleman. Sailing consistently all day, never finishing outside the top six.
2nd – Hayden Wallace. Exceptional throughout, handling the squalls better than most and showing real tactical awareness. Too young to claim the customary bottle of wine, Hayden received a refund of his entry fee instead.
3rd – Jim LaRoche. Admittedly had a mixed day but pieced together enough strong finishes to secure a well-earned third place.

All winners thanked the race committee for their efforts and praised the excellent support the championship has received throughout the year

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