MEMBERS of Arden Sailing Club (Defford) welcomed the Wyre Mill Sailing Club for there annual challenge match.

In very light and fickle winds, high concentration was the order of the day. Officer of the day Jane Smee, ably assisted by Christine Williams, set three pursuit races. This split up the fleet at the start and as the races were of a precise length helped the ladies to organise the catering.

The pre-race favourite Nial Campbell (Enterprise) with Kim as crew won the first from Andrew Potts (Solo), third was Alan Salerman (Enterprise) back with his regular crew June Bennett . In fourth place and first Wyre boat was Chris Coates (Laser).

The second race saw Nial capsize and eventually retire, leaving Andrew to finish first with Richard Drinkwater and Ray Trace (Enterprise) second, Alan third and Chris was again fourth.

The third race took place in ever decreasing winds and saw Nial reappear with a more experienced crew Helen Williams to once again take first place. He was followed by the improving Richard and Ray in second and Andrew in Third.

The overall results were first Andrew Potts (Solo) second Alan Salerman and June Bennett (Enterprise) third Richard Drinkwater and Ray Trace (Enterprise) fourth from Wyre Mill Chris Coates (Laser).

It seems local knowledge was a considerable advantage as the home team dominated a fleet of fifteen boats that included Comets, GP14's, a Supernova and a National Redwing as well as the Ents Solos and Lasers already mentioned.

In his presentation speech Commodore Richard Drinkwater thanked the race officials, the rescue boat operator, the galley team and all the sailors for a very enjoyable day.