SAILING

FICKLE winds caused confusion in Saturday's race at North Devon Yacht Club.

As sailors picked different routes in the changing force 3 to 4 conditions, Penny Slee led the way among the fleet of eight Sprint 15s.

She held off the challenge of runner-up Barry Vincent, while Steve Richardson, fresh out of retirement, took third.

In the handicap one event, Cris Willis triumphed ahead of John Farr in second and third-placed Tim Cobby.

Sunday's force 5 to 6 south-easterly wind and gusts up to force 7 meant racing was only for the brave.

Twenty-one sailors took to the water but only ten managed to complete the course.

Leading the large turnout of Fast Cats, Nick and Sarah Williams triumphed in their Spitfire, followed by Sam Heaton in second and Gary Jennings third.

The Sprint 15 race got off to a cracking start with Keith Heason and Vincent straining every muscle to reach the windward mark first.

Heason got there, only to throw away the advantage after being hit by a force 7-plus gust. Vincent and Dave Warren took advantage, with Vincent finishing in style for his first victory for some time.

Heason clawed his way back to second and Warren was third.

Gareth Walkley was the only handicap one entrant to finish the course. He said: "At times it was like sailing a submarine, there was so much water over my boat."