A LARGE turnout of Eve-sham SC dinghies took part in last Sunday's racing in differing weather conditions.

The first race - a round of the Small Craft Series - experienced a stiff breeze from the south west that at times took some handling.

With a short sharp beat down stream to turn just above the weir before taking on the complications of the Baylis's course, Norman Drew in his Lark headed the fleet.

Hounded by the Solo of Green, Pickford in his Moth after a poor start and the second Lark of Simon and Zoe Styles, Drew lost control on a viscous jibe mark allowing Styles and Pickford through.

The former took control using the power of his boat to steadily pull away.

Adam Styles in a Lightening, the Streaker of Roy Timmins and Roger Middleton's Comet all suffered capsizes that left them well out of the running.

Pickford, Ian Edwards, after a slow start, and Green all remained within touching distance to the end but Styles crossed the line well before any of the opposition.

The second race was held in a deluge after the heavens opened but the wind had dropped considerably and the race, part of the Commodore Series, took place with rain hammering on the decks.

A lot of time was spent having to bale out the excess water rather than concentrating on the finer points of sailing!

Styles, enjoying a purple patch, pulled away from the rest and only Pickford managed to close the gap but he was unable to pass.

It was only after part of the mainsail of the leaders' boat became unfastened and their speed dropped that Pickford could make use of the mishap to sneak through and take first place.