LAST weekend saw the members of Arden Sailing Club (Defford) commence the main season's programme with the first of the pursuit series.

The weather was mild with a light, changeable north-westerly breeze. Three Enterprises pursued the Solo, Laser Pico and Topper fleet with the difficult and changeable conditions making it a slow and frustrating business to catch the first starters.

Eventually, the Enterprise of Niall Campbell and Jane Smee caught and slipped past the Solo of Ralph Evans to win the event. Evans took a well-deserved second place, followed in third place by the Enterprise of Alan Salerman, crewed by Kim Tyler.

The second race of the afternoon was the first of the Strensham series in which the Arden sailors were able to use the whole stretch of river, from Defford to Strensham lock.

In this race the wind died off to a very slight air making the return sail from the Strensham mark against the current particularly testing. Concentration paid off and after a long race, the third place went to Val Jolly in her Topper, a craft usually thought to be favoured by stiffer breezes. Second place was taken by Jeremy and Michelle Griffiths (Enterprise) and first by Nial Campbell and Jane Smee (Enterprise).

A warm welcome is extended to all who would like to try sailing at the club's open day on Sunday (April 17) commencing at 11am.

It will be signposted from the A4104 Pershore/Upton road.

For details, contact Helen on 01905 23298 or Ray on 01386 554109