Two shredded flags on the Stanborough flagpole were indicative of the wind's strength in recent weeks and while not as strong, they were flying horizontally again when nine boats of Welwyn Garden City Sailing Club left the banks for the latest race.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: A crowded start to race number two at Welwyn Garden City Sailing Club.A crowded start to race number two at Welwyn Garden City Sailing Club. (Image: Val Newton)

The handicap race actually took place in almost perfect conditions.

Tony Hale was joined by Roger Morse in the big double hander and the extra weight and control enabled them to secure third place in the first race with a fourth in race two.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Fast fleet winner Alan Campbell hangs on in a gust at Welwyn Garden City Sailing Club.Fast fleet winner Alan Campbell hangs on in a gust at Welwyn Garden City Sailing Club. (Image: Val Newton)

Alan Campbell won the fast fleet and Annette Walter the slow fleet competitions.

They shared the honours overall with Walter 36 seconds ahead of Campbell in race one but Campbell more than a minute ahead in the second.

The juniors found conditions very demanding so the safety boat, with newly-qualified powerboat driver Rosemary Hansen and old hand David Lambert as her assistant, was kept busy all morning.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The Hansen brothers fight it out round the marker.The Hansen brothers fight it out round the marker. (Image: Val Newton)

Angelo Hansen won the Quba fleet race with Francis Hansen second. Nina Ferguson and Freddie Potter did well to keep going.