An encouraging 32 Toppers arrived at Portchester on a very blustery Sunday morning and with such unpromising weather forecasts, some helms had travelled a good distance to be here at the first event of this sort for the club.

The gusting 5/6 westerly winds provided much debate for the race officers, but by mid morning a course was laid and Race 1 was under way.

The more experienced sailors obviously enjoyed the challenging conditions and fared better than those who are lacking time on the water so early in the season.

Joe Crabb (Chew Valley SC) and Steve Jackson (Hardway SC) led the race throughout, Steve eventually finishing first. In 3rd and 4th place Jonathon White (Pevensy Bay SC) and Alain Sign (Stokes Bay) were having a similar tussle. 17 boats completed the race.

After a break and a reset course in more sheltered waters 20 boats started Race 2. Unfortunately, conditions worsened and as safety cover became stretched, with the numerous capsizes, the racing was eventually abandoned and the final outcome decided on the first race.

Portchester SC was well represented with Sophie Anderson taking the First Lady prize. Alex Cooper gained honours as the first Portchester Junior.