The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Andy Prior wrapped up overall glory in Welland Yacht Club’s afternoon points personal handicap series with a win and a second place in the final two rounds on Sunday.
Prior sailed to the runners-up position in the penultimate round, before clinching his crown with a typical victory in the finale.
However, the first race of the day was the third round of the Sunday Points Series. With a strong breeze blowing, eight boats took to the start line for that one.
Brian Cobb took the early lead from Ros Nickols (both in Europes), followed by Paul and Kiala Burton (RS Vision), Richard Stedman and Gail Follington (both Laser Radials), Neal Tack and Rebecca Slator (Graduate) Katie and Jack Follington (RS Feva) and, after a pre-start capsize, Mark Holland (Laser Radial).
Nickols was first to cross the finish line, with Cobb hitting the final mark and having to do a penalty – allowing Gail Follington to pass. Once handicaps were applied, Nickols retained the win from Follington in second, with Cobb third.
Six boats took to the start for the penultimate personal handicap series race, with Prior (Laser) taking the early lead from the Burtons, Tack and Slator, Alistair Mitchell (Laser Radial) Katie Follington (Topper) and Holland.
Prior held his lead until the finish, but handicap allowed the Burtons to leapfrog him onto the top of the podium.
He did claim second, though, with Mitchell third.
Race three saw Prior pull out more of a lead over the Burtons – hopeful this time to retain the win after handicap.
This time he was successful, sealing overall glory with a victory from the Burtons, followed by Tack and Slator third.
