DAVE Bryden won the final race of the season at Arden Sailing Club.

Race officer Dave Bowen set a testing course in the prevailing conditions with the first mark not far upstream of the starting line.

This meant that the fleet arrived on mass, requiring some strategic sailing and knowledge of the rules.

Andrew Potts (Solo) took a good lead from Niall Campbell and Jane Smee (Enterprise) while Eric Ison (Laser) was seen doing penalty turns from which he never recovered, finishing in eighth place.

By the completion of the first lap, Campbell and Smee had taken the lead from the ever-improving Stuart and Caroline Stephen (Enterprise).

Meanwhile Bryden (Heron) was last on the water and was grateful for a change in the weather to help him make a comeback.

During the second lap, the rest of the fleet changed places several times, while Bryden remained at the back.

But as the fleet began to finish, the wind filled in behind him to such an extent that, when the handicaps were worked out, he came out the winner from Campbell and Smee followed by the Stephen's with Keith Stevens (Comet) in fourth place, also benefiting from the change in wind strength.

The club is holding its Christmas dinner on December 16. Members interested in booking a place should contact Helen at the club.