WITH the threat of high winds and some snow already on their decks it showed true grit for 25 crews to turn out for round seven of the Windermere Cruising Association's Winter Series.

Once again the start was delayed, but the race officer had set a sensible compact, clockwise, course in the south lake which had the crews working hard in a fitful and at times quite brisk South Easterly.

First over the finish line was Chris Ducker's Cork 1720 The Flying Duckman, overhauling the leading Midfleet boats, which had started 10 minutes before the Sportsboats.

After a fraught few minutes under the trees of the western shore George Newburn's 1750 D.

Jinn recovered well to finish second Sportsboat.

Steve Goacher won on handicap in Eric The Boat, but was challenged hard by the neat Micro 18 Hot Bot, of Peter Gibson and the Sonatas Irie Blue and Saraband.

The wily Goacher spotted that the calm patch off Storrs Point could be avoided by skirting to the NW in a deep curve and he kept the breeze, passing others as their sails went slack.

Sonatas Point Five, Spin Off, Sonateigna, Out of the Blue and Hanky Panky had a tremendous battle, with Micro 18 Speculation joining in and there were some hectic moments on the shy reach up to Ash Landing, with most boats only just able to carry their spinnakers.

Dave Atkinson and Brian Pilkington in the Bolero Bubbles had a tremendous race beating the First 211 Celine and off-form J24 Jibberish.

Steve Radcliffe's Beneteau 25 Verve had a long battle with mark Brammer's sleek X99 X Static, helmed by Les Slater, the bigger Danish boat squeezing across the line ahead, but having to give best on handicap.

Nigel Pearson's Hunter Medina Blue Belle had a good race against the similar craft Mr Windy to win the Cruiser class.

In the overall championship Eric The Boat has a substantial lead of five firsts from seven starts, but with four round still to go The Flying Duckman's second place can be challenged by Sonatas Saraband and Moonlight.

Results

First Overall and Midfleet - Eric the Boat, Sonata.

Sportsboats - The Flying Duckman, Cork 1720.

Fast Handicap - Bubbles, Bolero.

Cruisers - Blue Belle, Hunter Medina.