SAILING: WITH the wind coming directly down river, it was possible to extend the sailing course well downstream when members of Chester Sailing and Canoeing Club competed on Sunday.
With a large number of boats crowding the start line, those who made a good start were able to sail into clear air. These were Mike Maddocks and crew Cerys Done in an Enterprise, who were followed closely by a group of Lasers.
Rounding the top buoy was a problem as the site was protected with a strong current. Sally Hazlewood, in a Laser, negotiated this successfully and took the
lead. But she was challenged hard by Maddocks who pushed himself into the lead.
First across the line was Maddocks followed by Hazlewood then Mike Kneale in a Laser.
In the second race and in increasing winds, the more able sailors pulled away rapidly from the mass. This was once again led by Maddocks, who eventually saw off Pryer in second and Crofton third.
The first race at Gresford was a handicap in the 12-week Commodores Cup series.
Nigel Bloor, in his Solo, took an early lead, followed by another three Solos and then the rest of the fleet.
The conditions were a little blustery which enabled the Mirror of David and Zara Turtle to keep up with the bigger boats. Jim Young, in spite of a late start, was soon on the heals of the leading boats, while Trevor Ward, with Kevin Forbes as crew in a GP14, closed on the leading pack for a while. Sian and Annie Stapley were also going well in a Mirror.
At the finish and when the handicap was applied, David and Zara Turtle were first in a Mirror, from Nigel Bloor in a Solo and Sian and Annie Stapley, also in a Mirror.
Race number two was a class race. In the Solos Nigel Blore was the star man, leading from start to finish, while David and Zara Turtle won the Mirrors.
Kevin Forbes with Trevor Ward as crew led from start to finish in the GPs and Jim Young won the Enterprise class.
Race number three was back to the handicap system and the Turtle duo beat Nigel Bloor and Jim and Jessica Young.
