THE wind remained elusive at Beccles ASC last Saturday for the start of the series D racing schedule leaving sailors exasperated at times, especially trying to make way against the tide downriver in what seemed like a strangely named Winter Tankard in the warm south-westerly.

THE wind remained elusive at Beccles ASC last Saturday for the start of the series D racing schedule leaving sailors exasperated at times, especially trying to make way against the tide downriver in what seemed like a strangely named Winter Tankard in the warm south-westerly.

Although slow-going, Jonathan Blankley in his Laser Tardis had his work cut out this week holding off Jake Shipley also in Laser by just a few seconds to secure firsts in both races - although Rory Kelsey and Georgie Roll were unfortunate to get second spot in the first race, losing by just one second on handicap in their Enterprise Evil Edna.

Jake Smalls continues his recent good form with two wins in the Tann Trophy in his Topper Tip Top and Casper Baylis and Rowan Curtis both had wins in the Oppie races.

Away from the club, Beccles sailors continue to keep Beccles Amateur Sailing Club on the map with 13-year-old Hugh Braidwood, from Geldeston, finishing tenth overall out of a fleet of 28 in his Topper at the RYA East Zone Championships at Grafham Water in Cambidgeshire last weekend.

And at Coldam Hall SC which hosted the Norfolk Dinghy Class Championships, Beccles club sailors Kevin and Elena Edwards dominated with three wins in their Norfolk Minnie to retain the 21st Anniversary Challenge Cup.

Derek and Jo Edwards, sailing Bungle, won the Patria of Waipu Trophy for helms over 60 and Sue and David Grief in their Norfolk Brambling got recognition with a trophy for previous non-trophy winners so well done to them all.

Winter Tankard race one (13): 1 Tardis (J Blankley), 2 Evil Edna (R Kelsey and G Roll), 3 Sonic Screwdriver (J Shipley).

Winter Tankard race two (12): 1 Tardis, 2 Sonic Screwdriver, 3 Evil Edna.

Tann Trophy race one (6): 1 Tip Top (Jake Smalls), 2 Windsinger (M Phillips), 3 Red Hot (Jemma Smalls).

Tann Trophy race two (6): 1 Tip Top, 2 Charlie (C Folkard), 3 Red Hot.

Oppie Junior II race one (8): 1 Petite Rouge (C Baylis), 2 Great White (A Blankley), 3 Rachael (R Folkard).

Oppie Junior II race two (6): 1 Bittern (R Curtis), 2 Petite Rouge, 3 Great White.