Prior takes the prize on Welland

Sunday saw kinder wind conditions than in previous weeks but still provided a challenging sail for those who competed for the Peterborough Building Society Salver.

With the gusty wind coming over the clubhouse and surrounding buildings for race one, it resulted in a reaching start and a choice of where to place yourself on the start line where the timing of the sail would be all important as being over the line would cause big problems
It was Alistair Mitchell in the Laser Radial rig who made the perfect start furthest away from the clubhouse, closely followed by Andy Prior in the full rig Laser, the Lark being helmed by Keiron Powell and crewed by Helen Boyd, Richard Stedman in the Comet , Mark Scourfield’s Solo and Alan Cox with Sandor Kecskemeti both in Laser Radial rigs.
The wind proved very gusty and variable which was going to test crews all round the course.
Mitchell held off the larger sail Laser of Prior to the second corner where the boats turned for the off wind leg to number 4 buoy where the gybe awaited them .
Prior was first round the buoy, followed by Scourfield, who just held off the inside advantage from Powell, Cox, Mitchell Stedman and Kecskemeti.
With only a couple of tacks having to be made on the way back and with clear air Prior pulled away at Chilvers corner as the boats spread out.
Mitchell and Cox had a close battle in the Radial rigs. The second lap, with the wind increasing, proved a problem, with some of the fleet tasting the Welland water and it was Prior who fell victim on the gybe at 4 buoy, capsizing and allowing Scourfield through.
Although he eventually righted the boat, he was unable to pull back the ground lost, so Scourfield took the line honours followed by Prior and Mitchell in third, Cox in fourth, Powell in fifth. Stedman and Kecskemeti had taken a swim on Shellys Bush corner as the gusts increased.
For race two, the gusts had increased as forecast and again the start was key to the race but judging it became harder as it swirled around the clubhouse.
Cox and Prior were the first away, followed by Scourfield, Mitchell, Stedman, Powell and Kecskemeti .
Cox held off the larger Laser sail of Prior by protecting his wind but the gusts saw Prior overtake by buoy 2 to take the lead that was never threatened as he sailed away in clear air.
However behind there were a number of close fought battles and some swimmers but Cox was able to hold off Scourfield’s attempts to pass on what had now turned into more of a beat back.
Mitchell and Kecskemeti were having their own battle and only when a gust hit Kecskemeti causing him to broach up but save the capsize was Mitchell able to pull away.
After handicaps were applied Prior was first, Scourfield second only ten seconds in front of Cox in third, Stedman in fourth and Kecskemeti in fifth with the Lark retiring during the race .
The trophy was to be decided on race three between Scourfield and Prior, whoever won would take the trophy.
No change to the course or gusty conditions but they seemed more frequent.
Again it was Cox, Prior and Scourfield in that order who came away from the start line.
Prior hit the front early on and was never troubled, it was only if Scourfield could keep him in contact, and when Cox capsized on the run down to 4 buoy it was a head to head.
This was to prove too much of a task as Prior pulled away and was never troubled.
Cox capsized again and Stedman in the Comet joined the club as helms were getting tired and he retired.
After the handicaps were applied Prior took first place followed by Scourfield, Cox and Kecskemeti
Winner Andy Prior 4 points, 2nd Mark Scourfield 5 points, 3rd Alan Cox 10 points.

Anyone wanting to find out more about sailing can contact the club via email secretary@wellandyachtclub.co.uk