Race One, Course:  B W M F (Line)
In bright sunshine, Race One started late due to sorting the start line when the wind had varied and picked up to over 20 mph. From the start Alex Piggott in the Notts Fireball shot ahead with Ian Ingram sailing an RS400 in close pursuit. Also up with the leaders was Graham Cook in the RS200, this year sailing with son William also Frances Gifford with her regular police crew Peter Walker in the National 12. By the third lap the fleet had sorted itself out with Paul Heath (GMP), despite an early capsize, climbing through to lead the 6 Lasers taking part. The course was shortened after about 40 minutes with the leaders obliged to complete a fourth lap in slightly less wind. On corrected time, the Fireball won by a minute from the National 12, with the RS 400 a further 2 minutes behind.

Race Two, Course:  B W M F (Line)
Race One's course comprising a beat, reach, beat, run  - and through the Start Line - had proved successful and was used for Race Two. Despite the Start-time of Race Two being announced beforehand, some helms managed to miss the start. The main protagonists however made the start and the Fireball quickly got ahead. Also well up this time was Andy Carter (West Midlands) in his Phantom. For Race Two the wind had dropped somewhat and Cook and Gifford were much closer to the Fireball. With less wind, accordingly the laps took much longer to complete with some boats completing 3 laps and others finished after 2 laps. On corrected time, Piggott won by just 10 seconds with Cook and Gifford ending up second equal.

Race Three, Course:  B X T F (Line)
For Race Three the positions of the buoys were altered as the direction of the wind changed. The faster boats together with Gifford got ahead of the fleet, staying in a bunch. Piggott was having problems with the spinnaker and he was pressed throughout the race by Ingram, Cook and, always close behind, Gifford. As the wind lessened Gary Phillips in the Flying Fifteen also got ahead of the rest, together with Heath, the leading Laser. After nearly 40 minutes the course was shortened; some boats completing 5 laps, others 3 with some retirements. On corrected time it was the Gifford winning by over a minute ahead of the Cooks with Piggott 3rd and Phillips with his best result of the day, 4th.

Prizes were presented by Assistant Chief Constable, Alan Featherstone.

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Pictures from the Event

Regatta Organiser/Contact: Sgt. Steve Middleditch,
Northants Police Sailing Section
Weston Favell Police Station
Pyramid Close
Weston Favell Centre
Northampton
NN3 8NZ
Tel: 0797-604-8795 (new number)
E-mail: steve.middleditch@northants.pnn.police.uk