GLORIOUS spring sunshine and a pleasant light breeze attracted ten boats on to the water at Defford where Arden Sailing Club held the first of the main 2017 series of races on Sunday.
Handicap I was closely contested on the water as Ralph Evans (Solo) finished just four seconds ahead of Niall Campbell (sailing his Enterprise single handed), but Tricia Wood (Comet) just 96 seconds behind was placed first on adjusted handicap.
Keith Stevens (Comet) took fourth place whilst Steve Ryder, coming to terms with the centre-main of his Solo, was delighted to be placed fifth.
The second race was due to be a 1.5-mile sail to Stensham Lock and back but, with the wind dropping, the officer of the day shortened the course to a long and a short loop.
The faster boats made the best of the wind and the Enterprises of Campbell and Stuart Stephen took first and second place.
Ralph Evans would have been third but for a technical infringement (it being so warm, he had forgotten to put on his buoyancy aid!).
Keith Stevens (Comet) finished ahead of Tricia Wood (Comet) but, with the breeze having dropped to almost nothing, they were well behind the leaders and handicap adjustments made no difference to the positions.
