The shortage of water and ever-growing weed put many members off sailing for the PBS Trophy at Welland Yacht Club on Sunday, however nine boats still lined up for the first race.
The wind direction required a short beat up to an improvised buoy 1 (the correct one was overgrown with river weed).
It was Keiron Powell in a Laser who got the best start, but failed to notice the starboard boat of James Ramp’s Laser Radial, resulting in a small collision.
Powell was able to recover and round the mark first after which he had to take two penalty turns.
Ramp was pushed back slightly which allowed Andy Prior to round second followed by Mark Scourfield in a Solo and then Ramp’s Laser Radial.
Once in clean air Powell was able to extend his lead and crossed the line four minutes clear despite another penalty turn for hitting a mark.
Prior was able to pull out slightly from the pack to take second place but third, fourth and fifth were very close with Richard Stedman (Comet) victorious from Martin Cook and then Mark Scourfield (both sailing Solos).
James Ramp took sixth in a Laser Radial followed by newcomer Rob Bowen also in a Laser Radial.
Both Toby Schrauwers and Emma and Paul McGuire (Wayfarer) had to be rescued from the weeds and retired.
Race two started with eight boats as Eric Murray in a Solo and Adam Stabler in a Laser had replaced Cook and Stedman but the race shared a similar format.
Prior managed to dominate the windward end of the line and got the best start and was able to extend this throughout the race to take first place.
Powell worked his way up the fleet to take second from an improving Ramp who was third.
Despite a number of capsizes, Schrauwers finished the race to take sixth place behind Stabler.
By race three only three boats were left and it was youngster Ramp who got the best start from Schrauwers with Prior bringing up the rear, although he quickly moved up to second.
Ramp sailed well and kept the lead from Prior until the last beat where Prior was able to pass to leaward and then pull out a short lead.
Ramp stayed in contention until the final stages when an error with the mainsheet cost him valuable time and possibly the race, however he held his composure and finished close enough to Prior to take the win on handicap. Schwarers taking a well-deserved third place.
Overall, Prior took the trophy, despite only winning one race, from Ramp, with Powell third and Schrauwers fourth.
