A DOZEN dinghies took to the Evesham club's water on Sunday to enjoy the warm sunshine and gentle breeze.

A strong flow on the river added another dimension to the tactics needed to succeed and staying close to the banks in the upstream legs helped the competitors.

The round of the Pursuit Series saw David Way and Jeremy Higson, both in Mirrors, leading the way and they stayed out in front for 20 minutes before being swamped by the chasing fleet after which everyone appeared to take the lead in turns.

It was only as the breeze faded that Ian Haywood broke clear and gained a lead that he was to maintain for the last lap of the course to be the first across the line with Green second and Edwards third.

The breeze had returned with a lot more purpose for the start of the second race.

John Pickford was away like a rocket and he had gained a comfortable lead before the others had sorted themselves out.

As the wind steadily improved and, making the most of the slacker water at the margins, the chasing fleet streamed down either side of the river in pursuit.

For a long time the leader held his position but, following an error of judgement when under some pressure, he was finally overhauled.

On the last beat downstream to the line, an almost blanket finish saw six boats side by side straining for the lead but it was Haywood again who forced his nose in front with Edwards narrowly adrift.

The Common Road club is staging holding an Open Day on Sunday, May 16 between noon and 4pm when all are welcome to come along and try their hand on the water.