With a Force 5-6 north-easterly forecast, the numbers were reduced to seven for the second weekend of the Devoti Sailing Finn winter series at Warsash SC.

On the day it was 15-22 knts with big shifts coming off the shore.

The fleet got away first time with Matt Howard leading at the windward mark from Paul Blowers and David Mellor. Paul Blowers decided to check the water temperature by missing his toestraps which allowed David Mellor through. By the end of the second lap David had overtaken Matt Howard with Paul Blowers holding onto third. This was how the race ended.

In the second race Matt Howard took an early lead from Dave Mellor and Paul Blowers and the order remained unchanged throughout. Positions further down the fleet where constantly changing and with gusts of 25 knots a number of people checked the finish on the bottom of their boats.

Again the day ended tied with Matt and David on three points each. With Nick Daniels as race officer for the day Dave Mellor takes the overall lead going into the Christmas break. With 14 Finns now based at Warsash SC and a Devoti Rudder up for the series winner, things look good for a large turn out in the New Year.

The series resumes on the 13 January at 1100 with two races. For more details contact Nick Daniels (07971 164462) nick@preferred-it.com