Hectic day on water (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Hectic day on water

RACING at the Arden club at Defford last weekend took place in light and fickle winds.

The first race saw Eric Ison (Laser) leading a mixed fleet from start to finish. Andrew Potts (Solo) followed closely but the rest of the fleet tightly bunched until Jane Smee, helming the Enterprise with Niall Campbell, managed to break free, to put in a challenge.

However, when the handicaps were worked out, Potts was in first place ahead of Ralph Evans, Ison and Smee.

The second race was in the Solo Class and Potts flew off the line leaving Wayne Evans (Fleet Captain) and Ralph Evans trailing in his wake.

After two laps, the latter began to make inroads but, sensing the danger, Potts put on a burst of speed to hold his lead to the finish.

Race three was a Commodores Trophy for the slow handicap fleet saw Keith Stephens take the honours.

The Enterprise Trophy event saw Campbell back at the helm and having one of his customary great starts.

Jeremy Griffiths was hot on his heels when his young son and crew decided to jump ship, Dad scooped him up without slowing but later had to retire as Josh was cold.

This unfortunate conclusion allowed Campbell to increase his lead and take an easy victory.

The Burt Thurlow Trophy for the fast handicap fleet saw Campbell and Smee again leading from start to finish. Andrew Potts was runner-up with third place going to Alan Salerman and Michelle Griffiths (Enter-prise).