Blustery conditions saw eight boats rigged and on the water for race three of Welland Yacht Club’s Sunday Points series.
Of those only seven made it to the start box where Richard Stedman, in his Comet, decided the wind was too strong so only six started.
First away was Alan Chapman in his Laser Radial, closely followed by Jorrit Schrauwers in a Solo and Alistair Mitchell, also in a Laser Radial.
With the strong winds, several boats capsized, some of them multiple times, on the upwind leg to buoy 5, the furthest buoy, by the bridge carrying the A1175.
It was a hard beat past Shelly’s Bush Corner and on to Chilver’s Corner before a long reach down to buoy 5.
On their return to buoy 1 there was some jostling between Chapman and Mitchell, Chapman getting round first, followed by Geoff Tibbs in his Solo. About 50 yards behind him were Ali and Rachel Brightey in their GP14.
The rescue boat had a busy day and by the end of the first lap both Jorrit and Toby Schrauwers, in a Laser 4.7, had retired.
The fleet were then due to head back up river to buoy 3, but Chapman went all the way to buoy 5 and that cost him victory.
Mitchell was first across the finish line, ahead of Chapman, Tibbs and the Brighteys, with handicaps bringing no change to the finishing order.
Due to the continued strength of the wind, the second and third races were cancelled.
