A weather forecast promising torrential rain and a Force 7 did not dissuade 22 dinghies from competing in the first race of the Solent Dinghy Circuit open series at Lymington town Sailing Club.

In an unusual turn about there were more Medium Handicap Fleet competitors due to a welcome boost from four visiting Wayfarers from Parkstone YC.

As the fleets got away in a gusty Force 5 the visitors were not quite so welcome when they left most local boats watching their transoms disappear. Only Tim and Midori Knight managed to keep ahead of them but were beaten into second place on handicap by visitor Colin May.

The visitors took the remaining top five places. In the Fast Handicap Fleet Toby Collyer’s International 14 built up a commanding lead, but Richard Russell and Tig Williams came storming in second and second on handicap by only 19 seconds.

As the predicted Force 7 began to show, the race officer wisely shortened all courses and the fleet ran for home.