The Christmas break seemed so long that the sailors of Welwyn Garden City Sailing Club were more than happy to brave the cold for their first races of 2024.

Alan Campbell was the clear winner of the first pursuit race but second place was in balance to the end.

However, even with Angelo Hansen stuck in a dead zone, Charles Adams ran out of lake in his attempts to chase him down.

Three boats finished within seconds of each other in race two.

Commodore Adams was leading with less than 20 seconds to go, but finished third as Campbell and Hansen came from behind in a stronger wind to take first and second places.

Seven helms turned out in the cold conditions to be rewarded with almost ideal sailing conditions and some exciting races right across the lake.

It resulted in David Lambert getting fourth followed by Tony Hale, Matthew Dilks and Francis Hansen.