A double victory over the weekend has put Andy Prior in command of the Sunday Points Series at Welland Yacht Club.
Despite it being the start of the summer holidays, an impressive eight boats lined up for the start of Sunday’s first race.
With a training session taking place in the morning, racing was restricted to two races in the afternoon – but both were action-packed.
With a reasonable north westerly wind blowing across the river, it was Prior who made the most of it – out hitting the line at pace to open up a couple of boat lengths from Tom Bell, leaving the other boats in a pursuing pack.
They including youngsters Harry Whitelam (Topper) and Niall Holland (RS Feva).
Going upwind, Prior was able to pull out a good lead, but Bell reeled him in on both laps leading to a very tactical race as both boats rounded the bottom mark.
However, Prior manged to hold off Bell to take the line and race honours ahead of the battling Bell in second.
The ever-improving Phil Robertson was third, with Gerri Van Haren fourth in his new Phantom.
Youngster Whitelam claimed fifth, with Neal Tack in sixth place and Brian Cobb in seventh spot.
The second race started in a similar way, although Bell managed to time his start better and was only just behind Prior.
Whiteham also got a great start, which put him in a terrific place throughout the race.
Again, Prior managed to pull out from Bell upwind only to see the gap closed right up downwind.
Once again, Bell never quite managed to pass Prior – meaning the first two places were the same the previous race and Prior toasted a double victory.
Behind them, Whiteham took advantage of his great start to clinch third place from Robertson, who had to settle for fourth spot.
With two races gone and four to go, Prior is in command but all is still to play for at the top.
This Sunday sees the Welland Paddle Regatta contested.
Want to give sailing a go? Email [email protected] and let Welland Yacht Club know.
