Melton Sailing Club face tough race conditions

As the wind blew across the island towards the clubhouse, the start was going to be tricky for all eight boats which started, a good turn out with many of the cadets and their families on their way to the 2012 National School Sailing Association Regatta at Weymouth.

The Laser of David Gatward fared best early on and was soon on the heels of the leaders. With torrential rain part way through the race, one boat retired. Pete Driver and Annette Cave won in the Leader with David Gatward overtaking Bill Ridlington (Solo) in the last few seconds to take second place.

Other positions: 4 John Spence Arnold (Byte), 5 Paul Gregory (Supernova), 6 Mark Wotton (Solo), 7 Ed Maxfield (Topper).

* The wind had dropped to nothing for race 10 of the President’s Trophy so a short race was planned.

But as the boats passed the start line a sudden strong breeze made the sailing challenging. Six boats started with David Gatward’s Laser setting the pace.

With the strengthened wind and short course he crossed the line in less than 30 minutes, but had to settle for second place as Bill Ridlington (Solo) won by three seconds once the finish times were corrected for boat handicap.

Other positions: 3 Paul Gregory (Supernova), 4 Martin Wadding (Laser), 5 Juliet Brewley (Topper), 6 Mark Wotton (Solo).