HEAVY mist blanketed the Lake and from the Cornwall bank, Devon was barely visible.

Yet the northwesterlies were strong and producing powerful gusts; all but Vicki Duncalf had capsized at least once before the end of the race.

Brian Pollard and Natasha Routley, officials for the day, designed a short course that took the fleet not too far out of sight.

Seven boats signed on to race but one was put off by the strength of the wind and the other by the slipperiness of an unfamiliar gunwale!

Nathan Pollard’s Aero 7 led away followed by Vicki Duncalf’s Topper and the Lasers of Harriet Cox and Liam Routley.

However, Ollie Williamson quickly got his Aero up to second and the leading pair were soon lapping slower boats. The handicap demoted Liam Routley and Harriet Cox while promoting Duncalf.

Results: 1 Nathan Pollard (Aero 7); 2 Ollie Williamson (Aero 7); 3 Vicki Duncalf (Topper); 4 Liam Routley (Laser Full); 5 Harriet Cox (Laser Radial).

RAIN cleared the mist; the course was lengthened to include the centre of the Lake but there was no risking going further north. The fleet was reduced to four.

The Aeros were again the fastest boats but Ollie Williamson spoilt his chances by capsizing in the middle of the Lake on lap two.

At the end, the handicap demoted him from second on the water to fourth.

The lapped Vicki Duncalf’s Topper was, on the other hand, brought up by the handicap to second.

Results: 1 Nathan Pollard (Aero 7); 2 Vicki Duncalf (Topper); 3 Liam Routley (Laser Full); 4 Ollie Williamson (Aero 7).

Many thanks were extended to the officers of the day and to the photographer, Natasha Routley.