Five boats braved the windy conditions and took to the start for the first race in Welland Yacht Club’s Novice Trophy and Witham Trophy regattas.
The Novice Trophy is open to sailors who have not previously won a regatta or racing series and only two boats were eligible – Andy Agar and Jorrit Schrauwers.
Adam Stabler, in his ILCA 7, capsized just before the start and it was the 2000 of Neal Tack and Rebecca Slator that was first across the start line and also round buoy 1. They were followed by Agar, in his OK, Alistair Mitchell, in his ILCA 6, Schrauwers, in his Solo, and, finally, Stabler.
With strong gusts and shifting wind directions, rounding Shelly’s Bush corner proved troublesome and Stabler retired after one too many capsizes.
Agar crossed the finish line first, ahead of Tack and Slator, Schrauwers and Mitchell but after handicaps had been applied the order Schrauwers was promoted to first place for his maiden win.
First over the line in the second race was Agar, followed by Tack and Slator, Stabler, Mitchell, and, after a couple of capsizes, Schrauwers.
Unfortunately for him, his tiller broke and he had to retire and be towed back to the club house.
Tack and Slator took the win on handicap.
With the wind picking up, only two boats went to the start for the final race. After exchanging the lead twice, Agar finished ahead of Tack and Slator but the positions were reversed on handicap.
Novice Trophy: 1 Agar, 2 Schrauwers.
Witham Trophy: 1 Tack and Slator, 2 Agar, 3 Schrauwers, 4 Mitchell, 5 Stabler.
