UPPER Tamar Lake Sailing Club races on Sunday May 17.

a.m. Cup Race 3

Five boats launched in seriously gusty weather, with numerous spectators leaning on the club house rail and offering suggestions or betting on the first capsize!

Discretion was the better part of valour as increasing gusts saw Jane Chadney and Stephanie Heasman both head back to shore. Anyone betting on Vicki Duncalf getting dunked first, won their wager. However, Vicky recovered from her capsize with impressive speed and started the race well.

Roger Heasman was the wrong side of the line at the start and had to re-cross the line to start. By this time Bob Sampson and Vicki had already rounded Dam green buoy with Bob taking the lead and flying up to Inlet.

Both Bob and Vicky struggled to get their boats to reach properly and a couple of capsizes by Bob let Vicky take the lead.

The Officers of the Day decided that enough was enough and closed out the race at the end of the first lap. Vicki could then be heard shouting 'shame' at the sudden curtailment of her fun.

Result: 1st, Vicki Duncalf Topper; 2nd, Bob Sampson Laser 4.7. Retired and placed 4th , Roger Heasman.

p.m. Commodore 4

Only three boats started the afternoon race, with Roger Heasman being coerced into making up the threesome to keep the race legitimate.

The wind if anything was stronger, with gusts up to force 6 and with white caps appearing on the middle of the lake.

All three boats started together, with Bob Sampson moving to the front as the boats headed for West buoy. Roger Heasman capsized just before West and having been blown into the middle of the lake decided to call it day.

Bob seemed to be looking for Red October as he kept disappearing under his boat with the huge gusts. Vicki seemed to be oblivious to the gusts and completed the course without capsizing and coming home first. A marvellous effort by all of them and very courageous!

Result: 1st, Vicki Duncalf Topper; 2nd, Bob Sampson Laser 4.7. Retired and placed 4th, Roger Heasman.