Wind in sailors' favour (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Wind in sailors' favour

SEVENTEEN boats took to the Avon last Sunday when Evesham SC members made the most of the strong blustery wind.

It was a fantastic sight to see so many sails dashing to and fro before the start. A collision appeared inevitable but it failed to materialise and everyone streamed away down towards the weir.

Three boats rounded the bottom mark - the British Moths of Pickford and Haywood and the Solo of Green, while the rest were locked into a short tacking battle to slide through between the buoy and the bank.

Pickford and Haywood fought the lead out and it was the latter who crossed the line narrowly in front.

The second race - the first of the Novice Series - had eight boats all totally keyed up to put in a good performance. Norman Drew had a brilliant start and used the power of his Lark to pull away in the blustery conditions.

Adam Styles, in his Lightning, with an old head on young shoulders didn't panic and sailed his own race knowing that with such a fast boat mistakes are made.

The national 12 of Hamish Gordon became swamped and dropped away. Stephen Calcutt and Stuart Bonham stuck to their guns and Imogen Higson, with her crew of Caitlin Donnahey, put in a magnificent effort.

At the front with three parts of the race gone the Lark went out of control and Styles swept through. Bonham and Calcutt also took advantage to pass the long-time early leader to finish first, second and third and ensure smiles all round.