SAILING: IAN Ware's Solo was the only boat on the start line at Gresford Flash on Sunday when the whistle blew for the off.
Merle Cook with crew Charlie Jones were soon in hot pursuit in a GP14, as was Mary Bainbridge sailing singlehanded in her Enterprise.
The first boat to pick up speed was Mary Bainbridge followed by Cook, leaving Ware in third spot.
However, a gust of wind just before the penultimate marker buoy capsized Mary and left Cook and Jones to take line honours just in front of Ware.
Siân and Annie Stapley were awarded third when the handicap correction was applied.
The second race saw the Enterprise of Jim and Jessica Young join the fleet.
The bigger boats soon formed into two groups of two, with Ware and the Youngs vying for first as the GPs of Les Tucker and Cook chased third place.
The under-powered Mirror of the Stapleys was sailing happily at the back of the field, knowing full well that the handicap was on their side.
After the handicap adjustments were made, the Youngs were first, Ware was second and Cook and Jones were placed third.
The wind dropped for a short while and all the boats slowed down to a snail's pace, but they soon picked up speed again and the Enterprise of the Youngs nearly caught Ware's Solo at the race finish. The final positions saw Ware finish first, the Youngs in second and Cook third.
