There was a good turn out for racing on Sunday for the first and second races of the early summer points at Dittisham Sailing Club.

With the wind from the west, race officer Pete Josceyne laid a course in the widest part of the river with a committee boat start with the windward mark close to 'Sammy the Seal', who watched the entire proceedings while lazing in an inflatable dinghy moored nearby!

 There was a true beat for the first leg of the first race and Jonathan Weeks in his Solo was first at the windward mark followed by Laser sailor Patrick Bromley with Alex Johns in his Laser, third.

On the next beat, David Thompson's Phantom made good progress, but there were many place changes in the tricky conditions round the windward mark.

Another Phantom sailor, James Dodd, also made progress and sailed a good last beat to cross the finish line first and a creditable third on handicap. Second over the line was David Thompson with a much improved sixth place.

The winner on handicap was Jonathan Weeks with Solo sailor Bob Thomas second. Fourth was Patrick Bromley in his Laser. 

The wind was moving about for the second race and dropping, so the fleet sailed a smaller and slightly different course.

The first beat was mostly on port, to a mark off Waddaton, and Laser sailor Bevis Wright made a good start, followed by James Dodd with Alex Johns third.

The second time the fleet rounded this mark the tide was ebbing strongly, making it difficult to round. Patrick Bromley got it right  but many places were gained and lost.

At the finish Bromley was second behind Bob Thomas's solo. Jonathan Weeks was third and young Joshua O'Brien a creditable fourth place. 

Next Sunday, June 2, Dittisham Sailing Club is hosting a special 60 guineas diamond jubilee regatta race at 4pm. It is open to dinghies and keel boats from Dart Clubs with a PY number. Entry is free and no prior notice is needed.

The race will be followed by tea at the clubhouse. 

RESULTS

First early summer points:

1 J Weeks, Solo. 2 R Thomas, Solo. 3 J Dodds, Phantom, 4 P Bromley, Laser. 

Second early summer points:

1 R Thomas, Solo. 2 P Bromley, Laser. 3J Weeks, Solo. 4 J O'Brien, Laser Radial.