Tom Bell held off the challenge of Andy Prior to win a topsy-turvy tussle for honours in Welland Yacht Club’s fourth regatta of the season.
With no racing the previous week as it was the family camping weekend, Sunday saw the Welland Paddle with 14 competitors in 11 boats taking part.
The day started with a reasonable breeze and, despite the number of boats taking part, race one got underway without incident with the usual faster sailors taking the early lead.
With a couple of people not in their usual boats, there was an unknown factor to the day. As always, until the handicaps are applied once the race is complete no-one is too sure if they’ve done enough get a good result.
Bell took the win in the first outing from Prior with Paul Burton third and Phil Robinson fourth.
The wind had died away for race two and it would transpire that it would take longer to do just one lap than it did two in race one.
With each boat trying to find what little breeze there was, Burton, Prior and Bell made the best progress closely followed by Brian Cobb and Martin Cook who were managing to stay within handicap distance.
This time Prior would take the win from Bell with Cook third and Cobb fourth.
The breeze had returned a little for race three.
With Prior and Bell having a win and a second place apiece, it was all down to who finished above who for overall honours.
As the race started Bell got caught up in the midfield and it looked like the event would be Priors’.
However, as the race progressed, Bell would be able to make gains on Prior to pass him.
The return leg seemed to favour Prior and, with both in identical boats, it was a simple case of who finished ahead.
This jostling for position would allow Burton the chance to pull his lead out further.
Burton would retain the win with Bell’s second giving him overall victory. Prior came third and newcomer to the club Alan Cox was fourth.
Overall result: 1 Tom Bell, 2 Andy Prior, 3 Paul Burton, 4 Brian Cobb.
Anyone interested in finding out more about sailing should contact the club via email [email protected]
This Sunday sees a team from Welland Yacht Club competing in the 24 hour race at Ferry Meadows in aid of the RNLI
