Jeff Speller held on to his points lead in race two to secure overall victory in the Bolitho event

FORCE 4, gusting force five winds gave sailors from St Catherine’s Sailing Club a real test of their skills this weekend at the club’s annual regatta.

On Saturday, Martin Speller (Laser Standard) and Laurence Carter (Laser 4.7) took the honours, and the beers, in the Moisan Keg of Ale pursuit race, with the top fast and slow handicaps respectively.

Mary Perkins (Optimist) claimed the Peace Cup in the Under 13s’ race, while Emma Speller took the U21 trophy and David Carter the veterans – for over 40s.

It was a tough competition in the two races for the Bolitho trophies, with Martin Speller unable to keep ahead with his brother Jeff in the first race; while Laura-Jane Carter (Laser 4.7) was set to win until a capsize at the last mark allowed Jeff Speller to take victory from Alex Harrison.

In the second race the wind dropped slightly mid-race to allow the Optimist pack to dominate the handicap results. Elizabeth Ellison eventually won the race but Jeff Speller held his points lead over the two races to win the Optimist Plate with Laurence Carter second.

In Sunday’s races, the wind increased to a solid Force 5, gusting force six, which proved an even sterner test to all sailors.

Rhys Perkins (Mirror) took the Marrett Trophy, for the singlehanded in a double-handed boat, despite gear failure before crossing the line, and Ellison took the honours in the Ladies Bowl.

Paul Myatt and Kate Amy battled a tough fleet to win the His and Hers Trophy, while Laurence Carter revelled in the strong conditions to take the Optimist Trophy and the RNLI Pennant overall.

George Moisan took the Topper class after an intense battle with his father Ian, while a special mention goes to Optimist sailor, David Raimbault, who – despite being one of the smallest sailors on the water – battled on long after many others had retired.