Sunday saw another clean sweep of victories for ace Andy Prior at Welland Yacht Club.
His victories came across two different events – one in the Sunday Points Series and the latter two in the Autumn Points Series.
Six boats took to the start for the first race of the day, with a reasonable breeze apparent and the odd strong gust.
Twins Freya and Samuel Willerton found themselves at the optimum starting position in the club’s RS Feva, followed closely by Prior (Laser), Geri van Haren (Phantom), Mark Holland, Alistair Mitchell (both in Lasers) and Paul Wilson (Solo).
As the fleet headed to the first mark the Willertons started to slip down the fleet as the larger boats passed by.
On rounding the mark, Prior led from van Haren, but on the run upriver to the top mark the larger sailed Phantom of van Haren gained the lead from Prior, with Mitchell third and Wilson fourth.
After rounding the top mark Prior would regain the lead during the tacking of the windward leg, with Holland moving up to fourth.
The positions would remain unchanged during the second lap, with the Willertons taking a single lap time.
However, after handicaps were applied Mitchell jumped up to second behind Prior, with Holland third and van Haren down in fourth.
Only three boats remained for the afternoon’s races.
With all three boats the same class, handicaps would no longer play a part in the results. And, as the wind had picked up slightly, the course was lengthened.
Race one saw Prior take the lead from Mitchell, followed by Holland.
By the time they reached the top mark, Prior had pulled out a considerable lead.
Holland managed to take second under tacking, but disaster struck when Mitchell’s main sheet got caught, forcing a capsize.
The order would then remain unchanged for the second lap as Prior took the win from Holland in second and Mitchell in third.
As the weather looked like turning for the worse, it was decided to start the final race while the competitors were still on the water for a single lap race.
This time Mitchell got away in front of Prior, with Holland third.
He would maintain his lead until the top mark where Prior edged out in front.
Mitchell again capsized, allowing Holland to take second.
The final result saw Prior take top spot from Holland, with Mitchell back in third.
Anyone wanting to find out more about sailing should contact the club via email [email protected]
