Gail Follington and Andy Prior both enjoyed victories as Welland Yacht Club got their 2019 season under way on Saturday.
In the spring sunshine and with a reasonable breeze with stronger gusts, 11 boats prepared for the first race in the morning points series.
Three boats were caught out by the stronger gusts and capsized prior to the start, while another had to retire due to a technical issue.
Paul Burton (Solo) got away first, closely followed by Andy Prior (Laser), Tom Bell (Laser Radial), Neil Tack and crew Follington (Graduate), Geri van Haren (Phantom).
As the boats rounded the windward mark, Prior had edged the lead from Burton then Bell with van Haren fourth from Tack-Follington. Behind them were Mark Holland (Laser Radial), Alistair Mitchell (Laser), Phil Robinson (Laser Radial).
As they made progress through the downwind leg of the course, Bell moved into second. After the first lap Robinson had to retire, with van Haren moving up to third.
The order remained until the end of the race and, once handicaps were applied, Prior took the win from Bell in second and Burton in third.
The two afternoon races then saw the Munson Cup personal handicap series get under way.
Although Prior (Laser Radial) was first of the ten boats round the windward mark, he was followed by Bell – who then quickly pulled ahead on the run back down past the club house.
The lead changed hands a number of times as the two boats fought for position, but as they reached the top of the course Prior was just in the lead and held on to take line honors, with van Haren third. However, under personal handicap, Follington took first from Prior and Bell.
The final race of the day saw the fleet drop down to six.
Burton got off to a flyer of a start and rounded the windward mark just ahead of Bell, who was followed by Prior. On the run down the river Bell was able to pass Burton quickly giving him clear wind ready for the reach.
Prior took longer to pass and was playing catch up for most of the race, but eventually managed to nose ahead and finished the race two boat lengths clear of Bell.
Once again, Follington won on handicap ahead of Prior in second and Bell in third.
