DAVE Perrett crossed the starting line in a clear first place and began the long beat to West White Buoy, the first mark of the course.

His Solo was flying a cut down sail because the north westerly winds were viciously strong and gusty, enough for one competitor to have taken to the water only to scuttle back to the shore before the race had even started.

The Perrett Solo was followed by Bob Sampson and, at a distance, Linda Spiller, both in Lasers equipped with their smallest 4.7 sails. Linda had also considered retiring but gamely took on the elements and raced.

Bob Sampson reached West in first place, his early tack towards the Cornwall bank more advantageous than Dave Perrett’s long beat towards the Devon Inlet.

The three boats set off up the Lake in close formation. Leaving Pinkie, the northernmost buoy, to starboard meant a distinctly risky gibe. Granny tacks were sometimes preferred.

The return towards the Dam with the wind behind them was conducted bows raised on the plane and at great speed; indeed laps were only taking ten minutes.

Everyone managed not to capsize, although Bob Sampson had the end of his boom in the water a couple of times and only just saved the boat from overturning.

Once safely on shore, the three competitors professed relief that Vicki Duncalf, officer of the day, had shortened the race from four laps to three.

With the winds continuing to strengthen the second race was not run.

Results: 1 Bob Sampson (Laser 4.7); 2 Linda Spiller (Laser 4.7); 3 Dave Perrett (Solo). Did not start: Adam Hilton (Solo).

Grateful thanks were given to Brian Pollard and Natasha Routley in the safety boat and to Vicki Duncalf, officer of the day.