Trophy is a close contest

Welland Yacht Club’s Grounds Trophy produced a close contest for the 11 boats who were competing for overall victory in the personal handicap regatta.

 
With three of the entries – Phil Robinson, Niall Holland and Emma Agar – having their handicap reduced following recent success the competition was going to be close.

 
The strong wind made for a challenging start to race one and, as the fleet spread out, a few boats were finding the gusty conditions hard work with several capsizes.

 
With most boats making good speed for their class, the race was finished in a quick time.

Race one result: 1 Andy Prior, 2 Paul Burton, 3 Emma Agar, 4 Brian Cobb.

 
Race two saw a lengthening of the course to take advantage of the speed available.

 
Again a few found themselves in the water but, for the more experienced, there was the chance for some high speeds with Agar making the best of her topper to gain a place.

 
Race two results: 1 Andy Prior, 2 Emma Agar, 3 Paul Burton, 4 Gerri van Haren.

 
With no sign of the wind dropping, the course was changed for race three to take advantage of its strength and direction.

 
With one less boat, the start line was no less hectic. Again for the more able there was some exhilarating speed sailing with a few getting more out of their boats and making up places.

 
Race three results: 1 Paul Burton, 2 Phil Robinson, 3 Andy Prior, 4 Emma Agar.

 
Overall results were close for first and second with Andy Prior taking the win from Paul Burton with juniors Agar third and Holland fourth.

 
Personal handicaps have been used this season for the first time at the club and have provided some very close racing.

 
They have resulted in all boats finishing within three minutes of each other after handicaps were applied.

 
Also, with the first four boats having handicaps ranging from -5 per cent to +4 per cent, it has allowed all members to compete on equal terms.

 
Sunday’s junior session is followed by the cadet two race at 11.30am. The last session of the season on September 25 is followed by the cadet regatta.

 
The club is also hosting its own ‘Bart’s Bash race’ on September 18.