The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Both Gail Follington and Alistair Mitchell tasted victory at Welland Yacht Club on Sunday.
With strong wind making life difficult, the first race of the day – round two in the Sunday Points Series – was delayed in starting, with only three boats taking to a blustery starting line.
Taking full advantage of wind strength, a long course was chosen.
All three boats got away without issue, with Follington (Topper) heading the fleet despite an unfortunately placed water taxi. She was followed by Mark Holland (Laser Radial) then Brian Cobb (Europe).
Holland, in the faster Radial, pulled ahead only to capsize and drop to the back. Cobb would then take the lead as they made their way up to the windward mark buoy near the bypass bridge. After rounding the mark Cobb still led from Follington and Holland, with all three planing on the downwind run.
As they headed back to the windward mark for the final time Holland took another capsize but, once back afloat, he was making gains on Follington as they headed towards the finish.
Cobb crossed the finishing line in first, from Holland then Follington. However, once handicap was applied it was Follington who claimed with win, with Cobb second and Holland third.
The course was shortened for the next race, which saw the wind die down after some heavy rainfall.
Three more competitors joined the party, but it was Cobb who got away first ahead of Gail Follington and then Katie Follington (Topper).
Holland was hot on their heels, with Mitchell (Laser Radial) and Alan Cox (Topper) behind him.
As they made their way to the windward mark Cobb still led the way, but Mitchell had made his way up to second, with Holland third ahead of Gail Follington, Cox and Katie Follington.
The order would remain unchanged for the remainder of the race, with Cobb and Mitchell having pulled out quite a lead.
After handicap it was Mitchell who took the win from Cobb in second and Gail Follington in third.
With the first race being delayed and the next wave of rain taking away what remained of the wind, the last race of the day was postponed.
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