The May bank holiday weekend brought a variety of weather and wind conditions for sailors on Windermere, with competitive racing among the Flying Fifteens and the cruisers.

On Saturday, the Flying Fifteens faced tricky wind conditions, particularly in Cunsey Bay with close racing throughout the afternoon as boats jockeyed for position. The fleet competed in the Flying 15 Escapade Cup. Positions changed throughout the race, with ‘Factor 15’ (helmed by Frank Kelly) taking first place, followed by ‘No Illusions’ (helmed by John Walter) in second and ‘Flying Ferret’ (helmed by Commodore Clare Houlihan) in third place.

Racing was in the south lake in light to moderate winds. Race Officer Peter Caffrey set a triangle/sausage course starting at Cunsey Bay then Stewardsons, Seals, Cunsey, Seals.

Meanwhile, the cruisers faced light rain and cloud at times in their race, with all three top positions taken by Beneteau 21.7s. Commenting on the race, Cruiser Class Captain Craig Allwood said: “It was an exciting race for the Spring Finale and Rear Commodore’s Prize with light west-south-west winds and a challenging course in the south lake.”

In the cruisers’ Spring Finale, ‘Heartbeat’, helmed by Trevor Bonson, made a good start on port and led halfway up the first beat. ‘Va Va Voom’ (helmed by John Burns) managed to edge in front and was in the lead at the first mark. ‘Heartbeat’ hit the first mark and was given a penalty, dropping to third with ‘Silver Mist’ closing in behind.

Places remained the same across to the fourth marker, then the cruisers beat into the wind with ‘Heartbeat’ back in front.

‘Heartbeat’ maintained the lead until accidentally sailing to the wrong mark. Flying its spinnaker, ‘Va Va Voom’ overtook and went on to win the race. ‘Heartbeat’ came second. In third place was ‘Secco’ (helmed by Mike Hynes).