THE forecast light westerly winds were interspersed with stronger gusts as the Sunday morning fleet gathered at Upper Tamar Lake for the Tamar Eight race, but 15 boats that took to the water made for a crowded start line. John Duncalf was first away, with John Weller boldly heading off on port tack. Soon, however, the RS200 of Bob Sampson and Jane Anderson was making a strong showing, despite being forced down to the leeward end of the line, and was in the lead as they passed the windward mark at the West White buoy, but with Paul Anderson's Laser not far behind. The chasing group of John Weller, Sue Murray and Nicky Buckett were also going well, until they started inventing a course of their own and wasted time getting back on the right track. Once again, Nathan Pollard was leaving the rest of the Topper dinghies in his wake, and although the RS200 was the first boat across the finish line, once the calculations had been completed, Nathan was the winner on handicap by nearly 40 seconds. For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.