Two wins from three races saw Niall Holland take overall victory at Welland Yacht Club’s novice regatta on Sunday.
Some nine boats competed on the day, with the requirement of entry being that those taking part have not won a regatta or race series in the past.
With all entrants classed as novice, only boat handicaps applied, not personal ones. Juniors Emma Agar (Topper), Lucy Burton (Topper Byte) and Holland (RS Feva) were all looking for their first regatta tittle, with each in different class of boat.
Race one got under way with a reasonable breeze – and the Laser of Phil Robertson broke away from the pack, closely followed by Burton (Topper Byte), Agar, Kiala Burton (Topper) and Holland.
Last away was Mark Holland (Laser) and the pairing of Gerrit van Haren and Martin Cook (RS Vision). The faster boats soon opened up a lead, knowing that the handicap would even things up.
Despite a capsize, Niall Holland managed the win followed by Robertson in second and Agar in third.
Race two saw late entry Rebecca Slator (Topper) replace Robertson, who sat the race out. The wind was increasing slightly, proving again a challenge for some.
It was Niall Holland who made the best of the start – and he maintained the lead from start to finish to take his second win of the day followed by Slator in second and Agar in third.
By the start of race three the wind had really picked up, while Gail Follington (Laser radial) joined the field. The conditions favoured the adults in this race, with the gusts being more than a match for the lighter juniors.
After capsizing multiple times Niall Holland retired from the race, paving the way for Slator to win ahead of Robertson (second) and Follington.
That left Niall Holland as the overall winner of a hugely successful event, ahead of Slator in second and Robertson in third.
