ALL types of yachts and dinghies were out on the water throughout the past weekend competing for the Vice Commodore’s prizes. The prizes have been donated by Vice Commodore Clare Houlihan.

Unpredictable, gusty winds on Saturday meant that the 17 Footers experienced one of the most interesting races of the season with the lead changing several times. Colin Bentley’s Liberty was in prime position on the first beat; Gay Crossley and Jim Schwerdt in Whisper then took the lead, taking advantage of a westerly breeze. Fathom, helmed by Graham Murray then took advantage of an easterly breeze, finishing in first place overall. Tony Rothwell and Paul Monaghan in Falcon II came second.

Also sailing on Saturday was the handicap cruiser fleet. Sailing an identical course to the 17 Footers, Julian and Claire MacLaine had a perfectly timed start and went on to win the race in their Hawk 20, Kontiki. The race saw numerous place changes with Mike Hynes and Marion Kirk in Secco and Trevor Bonson and Geoff Cook in Va Va Voom all seeing plenty of action.

Sunday brought stronger winds for the large fleet of Flying 15s in both the day’s races. Nigel and Gavin Tullett in Niffty powered through to win each race and take the prize. Julian Newman and Amanda Wilson in Felix Felicis were early leaders in both races, coming second in the second race while Phil Snewin in Carbon Footprint took second place in the first race.

The dinghy fleet also sailed on Sunday and some were overpowered by the strong gusts and a number of boats retired either before or during the race. Robert Richardson won the fast handicap fleet with two victories while Simon McVey and Judith Gore in “Dream Catcher” managed to stay upright long enough to lead the GP14s home.

To add to the weekend’s action, an inter-club Phantom open meeting was held with the Royal Windermere Yacht Club’s Matt Nield coming an overall second in the series of five races.