Tom Bell enjoyed a winning treble as Welland Yacht Club kicked off two new race series’ on Sunday.
Some ten boats took to the water for the morning’s opening race of the Sunday Points Series.
The build-up to the start saw the competitors greeted by a reasonable breeze, which made for an interesting pre-start as all jostled for position – only for the breeze die away as the race started, making for a slow first section.
Bell eased into the lead early on from Neal Tack, with Phil Robinson followed closely by the rest of the fleet in third.
Then, as the odd gust came through, there was hope for the action to pick up despite Bell managing to pull out an unbeatable lead.
By the close, Robinson moved up to second and managed to break the handicap difference over Tack, who had to settle for third place.
Next up was the maiden race in the Afternoon Points Series.
Following another crowded start line, Bell once again made the best of the start from Robinson, Gail Follington and Paul Wilson.
With the wind ever changing direction and the more experienced sailors managing to take full advantage of the conditions, Bell maintained the lead from start to finish with Wilson out-performing his handicap and taking second on the water.
Behind them, Follington managed to pick up a fine third place.
Race two of the Afternoon Points Series was a similar story, following almost exactly the same structure as the opener.
Once again it was Bell who streaked away to win, with Wilson sealing second place and Follington completing the podium.
- Want to give Welland Yacht Club a go?
Anyone wanting to find out more about sailing and how to get involved should contact the club via email [email protected] with people of all ages and abilities catered for.
