AS the weather improves so do entries for the Wednesday evening meetings at Arden Sailing Club in Defford.

Last week the small fleet decided just to enjoy messing about in boats and, in this light hearted atmosphere Helen Williams was seen helming a Vintage Merlin Rocket an unusual sight as she normally remains firmly at the sharp end!

Sunday's racing was preceded by the capsize drill for all of this year's trainees, a mammoth session for our intrepid instructors with 17 to be put through their paces both as crew and helm, necessitating 34 capsizes.

The glorious sunny weather was accompanied by a light to moderate strength mostly Southerly breeze for the racing.

The enterprises of Niall Campbell and Alan Salerman were first and second respectively followed by the Solo of Andrew Potts in testing conditions that made for enjoyable, if at times, frustrating sailing.

The second race was the first of this year's Arden Burgee series and, with personal handicaps carried forward from the pursuit series, the fleet showed the potential for some upsets in the results.

Potts sailed a consistently good race to win closely followed by Jane Smee in an Enterprise.

A warm welcome is guaranteed to anyone who wishes to pop in and enquire about sailing or the club in general. For more information contact Ray on 01386 554109 or Helen (01905 23298).