AFTER torrential rain in the morning, it was with great relief that the sailors of the Arden club Defford found conditions had impr-oved considerably by the start of Sunday's first race.

This was the last in the Pursuit Series with those most successful in earlier races penalised by a time penalty.

Conditions were still very blustery as dinghies from three classes started and some of the squalls proved too much for some competitors.

Eric Ison, sailing his Laser, came in first despite two capsizes, followed by Niall Campbell and Jane Smee (Enterprise).

Those positions were reversed at the end of the second race concluding the Enterprise trophy and the Bert Thurlow Trophy.

Again sailed in testing conditions but with no capsizes, this proved a long hard event and just 16 seconds separated Campbell from Ison with Stuart Stephen, crewed by daughter Caro-line, in third.

All concerned agreed that this had been one of the best afternoon's racing due to the excellent, though testing conditions, and the close competition.

If anyone would like further information on the club then contact Ray on 01386 554109 or Helen on 01905 23298.