ARDEN Sailing Club (Defford) hosted The Association of Avon Sailing Clubs annual regatta on Saturday and Sunday.

The event is open to the members of the affiliated clubs.

A good turnout for day one, always the quieter of the two, experienced shifting winds of variable strength and plenty of rain. Erick Ison (Laser) and Niall Campbell (Enterprise), both of Arden, shared the honours with one win apiece. Chris Coates of Wyremill Sailing Club chased them home.

Sunday, the traditional racing day for most of the clubs, provided sunshine and plenty of wind, as well as a larger turnout. Erick Ison won the first race, and was looking a strong contender for the overall win, having two firsts and a second with two more races to go.

However in race two with just yards to go and with an apparently unassailable lead, fate took a hand. Erick capsized and took an unusually long time to get the boat upright and sailing again. This allowed Niall Campbell and crew for the day Helen Williams to gain sufficient ground to beat him by just 40 seconds on handicap; he also let John Street (Enterprise) of Wyremill in to second place.

This meant Nial had to been Eric to clinch the trophy, Nial had the better start then Eric capsized twice in the freshening wind.

The final results were: 1, Niall Campbell (Enterprise) Arden Sailing Club; 2, Eric Ison (Laser) Arden Sailing Club; 3, Chris Coats Wyremill Sailing Club; 4, John Street (Enterprise) Wyremill Sailing Club; 5, Jeremy Griffiths (Enterprise) Arden Sailing Club.

The veteran trophy went to Alan Salerman and Ray Trace (Enterprise) from Arden Sailing Club, just one point clear of Tony Boyle (Supernova) Wyremill Sailing Club.

The members of Arden have a busy period ahead with the training course starting tomorrow (Saturday). There are still a few places left if anybody is interested, contact Ray on 01386 554109 or Alan on 0121 453 6611