Hat-trick of wins steers Slator to first regatta title at Welland Yacht Club

Rebecca Slator landed her first Welland Yacht Club regatta victory in superb style on Sunday.

With the club instructors busy instructing four new members on a two-day dinghy course, it gave the novice members of the club an opportunity of racing in their own regatta.

Five boats competed on the day, with the requirement of entry being that those taking part have not won a regatta or race series in the past.

With all entrants classed as novice, personal handicaps were applied, not just boat ones.

A few of the sailors took this opportunity to helm their own boats instead of being crew for the more experienced members of the club. Junior Katie Follington (Topper) was supported by her mum Gail Follington (Topper), while Slator (Laser Radial) and Alan Cox (Laser Radial) were all looking for their first regatta title.

Race one got under way with a light breeze – and the experienced Laser of Phil Robinson broke away from the pack.

However, Slator was first across the finish line – as well as once the handicap had been applied – followed by Katie Follington in second and Robinson in third.

With the wind remaining light but variable in race two, it represented a different challenge. Once again, Slator was first to finish followed by Robinson, then Cox in third.

By the start of race three the wind had become even lighter. Just Cox, Slator and junior Katie Follington contested this one, with Cox first over the finish line by ten seconds.

However, Slator took the win and overall glory on handicap, with Katie Follington in second and Alan Cox closely in third.

Thanks go to Martin Cook and Shelley Woolridge for providing safety boat and race officer of the day cover.