Ever-impressive Prior leads the way with winning double at Welland Yacht Club

Andy Prior picked up two wins in two different competitions at Welland Yacht Club on Sunday.

With the wind somewhat subdued compared to the previous two weeks, ten boats took to the start of the first race of the day – round four in the Sunday Points Series.

Prior (Laser) started well and took the early lead from Tom Bell (Laser), followed by Andy Agar (Laser), Geri van Haren (Phantom), Paul Burton (Solo), Alan Cox (Laser), Richard Stedman (Topper), Phil Robinson (Topper), Freya Willerton (Topper) and Samuel and Rosie Willerton, who were manning the RS Feva.

As they rounded the windward mark (buoy one) and headed downwind, Prior was still out in front from van Haren, Burton, Agar, Bell and Cox. Once around the top mark (buoy four) the order remained more or less the same.

During the second lap the wind started to drop away and Burton moved up to second as van Haren slipped down to sixth. With Prior first across the line followed by Burton then Agar and Bell, the positions remained unchanged once handicaps applied.

The afternoon would see the start of a new series Autumn Points Series, with a few boats dropping out and Paul Wilson (Solo) joining, making it nine taking to the start.

Again, Prior was just ahead at the start from Agar and Bell who were neck and neck.

As they made their way downwind Cox managed to pass the slower Toppers and RS Feva, with the slower boats all electing to take a single lap time.

During the second lap the wind dropped further and switched direction.

Despite the changing conditions Prior held firm and was again first across the line from Bell, Agar and Burton.

Once again, the positions were unaffected by handicap.

With the wind having dropped completely and with no signs of improvement, the final race of the day was cancelled.

Anyone wanting to find out more about sailing should contact the club via email secretary@wellandyachtclub.co.uk for further information.