A strong breeze blowing straight down Stanborough Lake brought its own challenges for the mariners at Welwyn Garden City Sailing Club, although they did have the joy of blue skies overhead.

The sun shone over the new handicap series with the small fleet left reduced for race two as the strength of the gusts increased.

The course that was set included a narrow gate that coincided with the gustiest part of the lake and caused several boats to stop in their tracks manoeuvring around it.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Sheila Stowe catches Charles Adams at Welwyn Garden City Sailing Club.Sheila Stowe catches Charles Adams at Welwyn Garden City Sailing Club. (Image: Val Newton)

In the fast fleet Roger Morse and Dave Lambert had a first and second place each over the two races and there was a similar stories for those who finished in the small fleet, Sheila Stowe and Charles Adams sharing the spoils.

Morse though won overall.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: More than a dozen sailors from WGC have been trained as safety boat drivers.More than a dozen sailors from WGC have been trained as safety boat drivers. (Image: Val Newton)

The club's work over the winter saw 16 members gain powerboat qualifications as they were trained under the auspices of Better.

They are now taking their place as drivers of the safety boat that is always on hand during our racing and leisure events.