FOUR competitors from North Devon Yacht Club took part in the Sprint 15 Nationals at Swanage Sailing Club.

Sam Heaton, Ian Mounce, Rob Way and the new fleet captain Anthony Gray enjoyed the fierce but friendly rivalry of national event.

In a fleet of 24, Heaton and Way both did the club proud with top-10 finishes.

Heaton claimed eighth and Way 10th with Gray finishing 18th and Mounce 19th.

Meanwhile, racing at North Devon Yacht Club was all pleasure and no pain in the Saturday series, except for one sailor.

The race, which took place in a force four breeze was led from start to finish by Keith Heason, who finished eight minutes clear of the rest.

Second place would have gone to Dave Warren, who produced his best display for some time, but had omitted to sign up for the race.

Dane Stanley, who seems to have found new spirit was second, and Alix Raymont the youngest member of the Sprint 15 fleet was third.

In the fast cat fleet, Penny Slee and her crew Rob Way took the honours from Paul Dury and assorted crew.

In the handicap one fleet, Hugh Kingdon led the way from Colin Steinlechner and Martin Allen.

Sixty-six year-old Tony Pratt has decided to reacquaint himself with a laser and finished a creditable fifth. The racing on Sunday was an altogether different affair.

On a huge late tide, things did not look promising with just a force two blowing.

However, five sprint 15s, the only boats to take to the water, had the closest racing for many seasons.

With the lead changing hands on several occasions as sailors fought against the incoming tide, Richard Hentell stormed through from the back to win.

Warren made amends for the previous day's mistake taking second spot with Heason third and Dane Stanley fourth.