LAST Sunday again witnessed a large turnout of members who took advantage of the continuing glorious sunshine and fine winds.

The RNLI trophy was up for grabs with the eventual winner being the best helm of the day over the three races.

Carrying on from where he left off seven days earlier, John O'Brian was away up river after the rest were caught napping at the start.

Only Roy Timmins in his Streaker reacted almost as quickly but he was unable to keep up.

Green in a Solo, benefiting from a very strong blow, just had enough to come up along side the leader and eventually pull away. Ian Edwards, sailing a new British Moth and having been last away, fought it out with O'Brian for second with the former claiming success.

The middle race of the event saw a great crush of boats at the start. Edwards chose the clubhouse side of the river from where he managed to make a clean start and pulled into clear air while the rest were calling for water and rights of way.

Eventually, out of this melee, Green broke clear with a huge gap to make up. With the leader always looking over his shoulder he could see the gap steadily closing, with Green at his transom Edwards crossed the line to finish.

The race for third was frantic with six boats all in with a chance but it was Jeremy Higson (RS Feva) who craftily came through.

The last race was eagerly awaited but Green must have fallen asleep on the line for he hardly took any significant part in the race.

Rival Edwards just powered away, while the National 12 of the Gordons impressed for a while as did Rob Berger and David Way who eventually finished second.

However, it was Edwards who was very impressive and, with two wins, was a worthy winner of the trophy.