A COMMANDING performance by top helm Josh Beardshaw saw him clinch top spot at the inaugural Paul Fuller Memorial Regatta at Redditch Sailing Club.
The event, held over two days at Arrow Valley Lake, saw both juniors and grizzled old sea dogs – and all ages in between – compete against each other over five demanding races with four to count.
The expected high winds of Saturday failed to materialise and instead all competitors were put to the test sailing in the lightest of conditions.
However the breeze returned on Sunday morning – Force 4 gusting up to Force 6 – sparking lots of thrills, spills and capsizes to keep the rescue boat teams busy.
Club commodore Karen Beston said: “What a terrific weekend of sailing we have had.
“We saw 17 boats battling it out on the Saturday and 20 on Sunday with juniors from as young as nine competing against adults as old as 80!
“They are the future of our club and I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”
Paul Fuller was a much-loved member of the Redditch and Studley communities and a key figure at Redditch Sailing Club who tragically died last year.
The event was sponsored by Chris Martin of Birmingham-based Dinghy Tech and the courses were set by race officers Martin Smith and Andy Beardshaw.
Meanwhile the galley crew, marshalled by Pat Lloyd, ensured everyone was well fed and watered.
Results: 1st Josh Beardshaw, 2nd Greg Croydon, 3rd James Dawes, first junior: Ollie, first junior crew Arlo.
Redditch Sailing Club holds regularly training programmes through the Royal Yachting Association teaching people how to sail.
Visit www.redditchsc.co.uk for more information.
