SAILING

THE LIGHTER racers from North Devon Yacht Club relished the gentle force 2 winds on Saturday.

Ten Sprint 15s took to the water and it soon became clear the conditions were not going to suit the bulkier sailors.

Annette Maddison, on her return from warmer climes, was soon out on the wire, leaving the rest of the fleet in her wake.

She led from start to finish, while another streamlined sailor, Penny Slee, was second, ahead of Barry Vincent in third.

Sunday's conditions were in complete contrast with force 4 winds blowing and gusts up to force 6.

Race officer Joe Armstrong used all his sailing experience to set a fine course taking in Inner Home, Crow, Skern, Inner Pulleys and Inner Home. It was a mad dash to the windward mark from the start, then a lottery as to who would reach Crow first after sailing close to Appledore.

Keith Heason led the way, closely followed by Geoff Mitchell and Vincent.

After rounding Skern, the reach up to Inner Pulleys was adrenalin-packed sailing, bettered only by the next stage, which involved riding the substantial swell too.

The front three maintained their positions with Heason winning from Mitchell.

Vincent, despite taking an early bath, finished in third place.

In the crews race, Rob Way and Slee led all the way. Richard Hentell and Lisa Pugsey were second, while Pat Smith and son Charlie were third after some extra capsize practice prior to the start.