GLORIOUS spring sunshine and a pleasant light breeze attracted 10 boats onto the water at Defford where Arden Sailing Club held the first of the main 2017 series of races. 

Handicap one was closely contested with Ralph Evans (Solo) finishing just four seconds ahead of Niall Campbell sailing his Enterprise single-handed.

But Tricia Wood (Comet), just 96 seconds behind, was placed first on adjusted handicap.

Keith Stevens (Comet) took fourth place while Steve Ryder, coming to terms with the centre-main of his Solo, was delighted to be fifth.

The second race was due to be a 1.5-mile sail to Strensham Lock and back but with the wind dropping the officer of the day shortened the course to a long and a short loop.

The faster boats made the best of the wind with the Enterprises of Campbell and Stuart Stephen taking first and second place respectively.

Evans would have been third but for a technical infringement after forgetting to put on his buoyancy aid.

Stevens (Comet) finished ahead of Wood (Comet) but with the breeze having dropped to almost nothing they were well behind the leaders and handicap adjustments made no difference to the positions.