Katie Follington and Paul Burton both tasted victory at Welland Yacht Club on Sunday.
The first race of the day was the fifth in the Morning Points Series, with the breeze picking up nicely for those on the starting line.
However, the first of the rain then came and, as the seven boats got under way, it stopped and appeared to take the wind with it.
All boats got away without incident with Paul Burton (Solo) moving ahead of Alan Cox (Topper), Katie and Gail Follington both in Toppers, Geri van Haren (Phantom), Richard Stedman (Topper) and Mark Holland (Laser Radial).
With no sign of the wind picking up, the fleet slowly made their way up the course with the faster phantom of van Haren soon making its way up front, followed by Burton and then Holland. Behind them, Katie Follington was now the lead Topper some way back (but more than likely within handicap).
By the time the top mark had been rounded by the lead boats the decision had been taken to reduce the race to one lap before the rain came again.
First back across the line was van Haren, then Burton, Holland, Katie Follington and Gail Follington. Although the Toppers were some way back their handicap is deceptive – meaning Katie Follington taking the win from Burton, with Gail Follington third.
The afternoon would see the first two races of the all-new Commodores Points Series.
With the wind now picking up, a medium-length course was set for two laps. Again, Burton made the most of the start and was followed by the Toppers of Cox, Gail and
Katie Follington and Stedman, with Mitchell (Laser) and Holland (Laser Radial) behind.
As they made their way up the course, the full rig laser of Mitchell soon made its way into second followed by Holland (third), with Katie Follington leading the toppers.
Stedman became a victim of the weed becoming entangled and stuck on the riverbank then retiring from the race, while on the way back Mitchell capsized allowing Holland to close in on him.
After handicaps were applied Burton maintained his win from Katie Follington in second and Alan Cox in third.
The final race of the day was round two of Commodores Points, held over one lap. With the wind now gusty, six boats took part.
Once again, Burton raced into an early lead, followed by Gail and Katie Follington, Holland, Cox then Mitchell.
As they made their way up the course, Burton extended his lead and Mitchell had made his way to second with Katie Follington again leading the Topper fleet.
On the run back down the course Holland capsized, allowing the Toppers to catch up with him destroying any handicap difference built up prior.
Gail Follington then had to retire so close to the finish when she became entangled in weed. Once handicaps were applied Burton again won from Katie Follington, with Cox third.
