Glorious sunshine and light winds greeted 26 OKs to the Northampton Sailing Club inland championship last weekend.

Terry Curtis took an early lead in race one and managed to hold on to it without threat whilst the rest of the fleet frequently exchanged places due to large wind shifts, leaving John Ball second and Anthony Rich third.

Race two got off to a sticky start with John Ball being towed across the start line by Roger Cooper. The lead changed several times between the Turner boys and Neil Goodhead, Curtis managed to catch the leading pack, but Will Turner took final honours followed by Curtis and Pete Turner.

Race three started in a shiftier and dying wind causing the fleet to change positions constantly. Will Turner managed to come through at the right time to take first, Gavin Waldron second and Geoff Woollen third.

Sunday produced more of the same conditions. In race four Andy Turner found some light wind speed rounding the first mark ahead followed by Goodhead and Dave Wright. Goodhead then took the lead and finished in first, Waldron second and Ball third.

Race five saw Will Turner in first, Ian Harris second followed by Woollen. Race six found veteran Bill Bradburn in the lead after a 20 year absence from the circuit, but a cruel shift changed the fortunes of the entire fleet. On the final reach Pete Turner inadvisably followed Goodhead round the wrong mark, causing confusion within the rest of the fleet, Mike Edwards manage to take advantage of the situation and took the lead over the line followed by Will Turner and Garth Thompson.

Overall Results

1st Will Turner, Ardleigh SC

2nd Terry Curtis, Upper Thames SC

3rd Neil Goodhead, South Staffs SC

4th Gavin Waldron, South Staffs SC

5th & Geoff Woollen, Frensham Pond SC

1st lady Mary Reddyhoff, Parkstone YC

1stjunior Ed Bradburn, South Staffs SC

1st Veteran Geoff Woollen