A HOT and sunny day, coupled with a steady breeze, provided Evesham members with a fine afternoon's sport when a tricky course set by race officer Stuart Bonham gave competitors plenty to think about.

Ian Haywood led off the line in the first race but was chased hard by Simon Styles(Light-ning) and Jeremy Higson(Moth).

However, confusion at the railway bridge end of the course ended with half the fleet having to double back in order to sail the correct course.

Heywood, unaware of his mistake until it was too late to correct, was forced to retire after he had crossed the line first.

A missed buoy forced John Pickford to a similar fate and promoted Tony Jacks, also in a Moth, up one place.

The race finished with Higson claiming a win ahead of Styles in second and Jacks in a well deserved third place.

Having sailed the course in the first race, everyone was eager to make use of the freshening wind next time out when a fast and furious start saw the fleet quickly spread out with Haywood again in the lead.

Styles again harried him leaving Higson and Pickford in their wake unable to close the gap. A clear battle for honours continued throughout with Pickford dropping off the back of the leading trio only to be caught by the rapidly improving Jacks.

This provided another duel for the minor placings with places constantly changing as the race progressed. Neither, though, could close the gap on the first three and the finish saw Hay-wood making amends for his earlier error finishing just a boat length ahead of Styles with Higson in third.

When the handicaps were calculated, Higson was given second and Styles third.

For further details about the Evesham club, log on to www.eveshamsailing.co.uk.