Rob Creek Trophy

Welland Yacht Club had an excellent start to the new season, with 7 boats competing for the Rob Creek Shield on Sunday. Despite the predicted bad weather, all competitors enjoyed a perfect day's sailing. Simon Hastings' attempts to tame a new boat were largely successful (despite a few unexpected dips in the river), and Beccy Wilson successfully helmed her first race.

At the front of the field, Andy and Charlotte Prior (N12), Simon Hastings (Solo) and Robin Wilson (Europe) kept everyone guessing until the final race. A win each for Simon and Andy, and two second places for Robin, left all three joint first entering the third race. Robin got an excellent start, while one trip too many into the river for Simon and a poor start for Andy left them unable to stop him taking the trophy by a mere 32 seconds.

The Graduates of father and son Martin and Will Cook and siblings Beccy and Adam Wilson were locked in an individual battle further down the field, and while the Cooks' greater experience finally won out, the Wilsons were more than able to hold their own.

Newcomer Andy Agar and his son Sean (7) showed they will be ones to watch in the future, and despite an unfortunate capsize, looked to be running well. Similarly, returning members Emma Flowers and Chris Prior looked promising in lasers, but both suffered problems with their boats that left them unable to effectively compete today. However, Chris Prior's return in the final race showed that, without technical problems, he can challenge the front-runners.

With so many sailors setting themselves new standards, and an increasing group in contention both at home and at national level, 2008-09 looks to be a great season for the Welland Yacht Club.

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