At last the wind behaved for the fifth race of the Solent Circuit Dinghy Series. After two races blown out and two held in near gales, a steady Force 3 to 4 gave good racing for the 24 participants.

In the fast handicap fleet Keith Willis tried a brave port flyer, only to be caught by the leading starboard boats, but the rest of the fleet obligingly tacked on to port to let him through.

David and Danielle Pitman built up a commanding lead in their Hurricane catamaran but Toby Collyer and Simon Rosier in their International 14 kept close enough behind them for a win on handicap. Geoff and George Havers in their 29er, after an incident on the start line with Andy Heissig’s RS 600, soon recovered to take third while Heissig did his penalty turns.

In the medium handicap Tim and Miume Knight led the fleet from start to finish, with Parkstone visitor Colin May’s Wayfarer pressing them all the way and losing out on handicap by just 24 seconds.

This weekend, on 17 November, will be the Charity Pursuit for Children in Need. This event is open to all dinghies and keelboats. Details from the Sailing Secretary Eve Blachford on 01590-674514. Results

Fast Handicap

1,Victoria (Int 14)Toby.Collyer and Simon.Rosier.

2,Bulldog (Hurricane 5.9) David and Danielle Pitman.

3,Yacht People (29er) Geoff and George Havers.

4, RS600,Jon Heissig.

5, RS 700, Keith Willis.

6, Wave Rider IV (470) Richard Russell and Tig Williams.

Medium Handicap

1, Snowy the Rabbit (Tasar) Tim and Miume Knight.

2,Watery Moments Wayfarer) Colin May and T May.

3,Wombles (Wayfarer) Tony Smee and Arthur Gormley.

4,Gandalf (Wayfarer) Tony Christopher and John Sims.

5, Wild Goose (Wayfarer) J Reynolds and P Grasham.

6.RS 200 N and M Moody.

By Iain Sutherland