THE penultimate week of the Beccles sailing season succumbed to another lashing of rain, again just in time for the start of racing at 10.30am.The moderate south-easterly didn't entice many boats to the line, but those who did arrive included Cuddles and PDQ who are fighting it out for the Icicle Shield.

THE penultimate week of the Beccles sailing season succumbed to another lashing of rain, again just in time for the start of racing at 10.30am.

The moderate south-easterly didn't entice many boats to the line, but those who did arrive included Cuddles and PDQ who are fighting it out for the Icicle Shield.

As expected, both headed the fleet from the start, producing an enthralling battle round the marks. But in the end Ryan Langston in the Laser couldn't shake off the Commodore's Ent enough and had to settle for second on handicap.

The sudden, gusty downpour also affected the Toppers in their first race.

Hugh Braidwood and Ollie Baylis soon put plenty of water between them and the rest of the fleet from the start and that's how they finished, with Jake Smalls third after three helms retired due to the conditions.

After a warm-up and refreshments from the now steamed-up clubhouse, the sun broke out and drew a few more double-handers from the dinghy park.

With the pressure still on between the two leading boats, both the Commodore and Ryan overshot the start-line and they were called back to the line, letting Bob Playle in his GP14 take the lead, closely followed by Glen Curtis and Georgie Roll in their Ent Polyarchy.

With Cuddles returning to the line a second time for not being clear, Ryan was left chasing Polyarchy for one-and-a-half rounds, eventually passing.

But he had to settle for sharing second place with Jon Blankley and Mark Langston in their Norfolk as Glen and Georgie deservedly took first place on handicap.

The Toppers' second race had Jake Smalls and Charlie Folkard away first with Milo Phillips, now back on the water, in hot pursuit. Jake and Charlie completed a one-two with Hugh Braidwood passing Milo before the finish line to take third.

The Optimists' one race of the day saw only four juniors this week and Casper Baylis certainly had his eyes on the silverware, dominating from the start.

He created a good lead over present leader, Rowan Curtis who had to settle for second place with Rachael Folkard taking third place.

Results. Icicle Shield race one (7): 1 Cuddles (R Deller/B Mclean), 2 PDQ (R Langston), 3 Shanderlee (J Blankley/M Langston).

Goodwin Trophy race one (7): 1st Tic Tac (H Braidwood), 2 Wonkey Donkey (O Baylis), 3 Tip Top (J Smalls).

Icicle Shield race two (9): 1 Polyarchy (G Curtis/G Roll), 2 PDQ/Shanderlee (J Blankley and M Langston).

Goodwin Trophy race two (8): 1 Tip Top, 2 Charlie (C Folkard), 3 Tic Tac.

Popsicle Plate race two (4): 1 Petite Rouge (C Baylis), 2 Bittern (R Curtis), 3 Rachael (R Folkard).