Paul Burton is sitting pretty at the top of Welland Yacht Club’s Sunday Points series after a double win on Sunday.
On what was a damp and gloomy morning, only four boats took to the water for round three of the competition.
Burton, in his Supernova, made the most of the start and – following the short leg to the first buoy – led the pack for the downwind run.
He was followed by Mark Holland (Laser Radial), Andy Agar (OK) and guest for the day Phil North (Supernova).
The order remained until the final part of the upriver course, where the ever-shifting wind direction forced Holland to tack – allowing Agar and North to pass.
During the second downwind spell, North would move up to second on the water. But, as the light rain came, the wind eased during the second lap.
With no sign of ever losing his initial lead, Burton was first across the line, followed by North then Agar and finally Holland.
Once class handicaps were applied Burton comfortably retained first place with Holland second, North third and Agar fourth.
After a short break, guest North decided to call it a day – so only three boats took to the start for round four.
Again, Burton got a better start from Agar second, then Holland.
With constant fluctuation in both wind speed and direction as the rain came and went, Burton built up another comfortable handicap-breaking lead and again, once times were corrected, Holland managed to gain second from Agar in third.
So, at the halfway point in the series, Burton currently leads from Holland in second.
There are still four rounds to go, of which the best five results count towards the overall result.
Anyone wanting to find out more about sailing should contact the club via email secretary@wellandyachtclub.co.uk.
