MEMBERS of Arden Sailing Club in Defford continued their programme of events with the first of the season's ladies' races.

There was an enthusiastic turnout for a closely-fought contest that saw positions changing several times. Val Jolly (Top-per) took first place ahead of the Picos of Jane Smee and Caroline Stephen.

Next up was the Pursuit Series when Niall Campbell, crewed by Jane Smee, (Enterprise) just managed to hang on to a lead over Stuart Stephen crewed by Caroline Stephen (Enterprise) with Jeremy and Michelle Grif-fiths (Enterprise) in third.

The final race was in the Stren-sham Series sailed within one or two boat lengths of Strensham Lock taking in almost the entire sailable stretch of water.

This leads to a variety of changing conditions as the river snakes down from the clubsite giving contestants a flavour of every point of sailing and all in a strengthening and extremely gusty southerly wind that produced many moments of drama.

Campbell and Smee took the honours followed by Jeremy and Michelle Griffiths and, after a blazing performance, David Appleby crewed by Pauline Appleby (GP14) crossed the line third.

Anyone interested in further information about the club should contact Ray on 01386 554109 or Helen on 01905 23298 or call in at the next Open day on Sunday, June 11.