Although numbers were slightly depleted due to the Easter holiday, Welland Yacht Club’s third weekend of racing so far this season was met with ideal conditions.
The ever-impressive Andy Prior once again enjoyed a weekend to remember as he clinched three wins from as many races on Sunday across two different competitions.
Races one and two were for the Munson Cup and, for the first of these, the wind was relatively light with only the occasional gust to be found.
Due to the wind direction, competitors started with a short beat down river before turning for a long reach to the bottom of the course, this was to be completed twice.
A number of boats hung back as they were worried about being over the line at the start, which allowed Prior, (laser) to get the best start.
Gerri van Haren (phantom) was soon catching in second, while Tom Bell (laser) and Andy Agar (OK) were also in pursuit.
Behind them, Gail Follington was doing well to keep in contention in the much slower comet.
Although the on-the-water lead changed a few times it was Prior who took line honours from van Haren.
On corrected time Prior was first from Follington then Bell, followed by Arden Follington (laser radial), then Agar, van Haren, Alistair Mitchell (laser radial), with Eric Murray bringing up the rear sailing a laser for the first time.
By the second race, the wind had filled in allowing a slightly longer course to be set.
With the wind blowing across the river at the start good timing was essential – and Prior almost cut it too fine having to deviate into the reeds to prevent him from being over the line before the gun.
This time van Haren got the best start, pulling out a slight lead from Prior with Bell just behind.
These three boats rounded the bottom mark in that order and remained this way until the finish.
Agar and Arden Follington fought their own battle slightly ahead of Gail Follington and then Mitchell.
Once handicaps were calculated Prior took the win from Bell, then van Haren, Gail Follington, Arden Follington, Mitchell and finally Agar.
Next Sunday sees the final races in the Munson Cup, with all to play for with both Prior and Bell having two wins a piece.
The third and final race of the day was the continuation of the Afternoon Points Series.
By the start, the wind had increased noticeably – making for challenging sailing. That was reflected in the number of starters, which had dropped to only four.
It was Prior again who got the early lead, but this time Agar stayed in contention until the second lap where the strong wind got the better of him at the gybe, resulting in a time consuming capsize.
Gail Follington also retired mid-race, which resulted in Prior taking his third win of the day from Mitchell, then Agar and Arden Follington.
- Anyone wanting to find out more about sailing should contact the club via email at [email protected] and somebody will get back to you.
