WITH challenging conditions and force five winds, the first ever Welsh Laser Inland and Open Championships got off to a spectacular start.
The Corwen-based competition attracted sailors from across the region, competing in six races to take the inaugural cups, sponsored by Tengo Media, Birch House Business Centre and RMF Auto, all based in Ruthin.
Hosted by Llyn Brenig Sailing Club, the two-day event on October 22 and 23 saw Robyn Cox of Port Dinorwic Sailing Club take the crown of Welsh Laser Inland champion in a radial class boat.
The first standard rig laser was won by Bala sailor Sam Norfolk, while the first lady and winner of the 4.7 fleet was Llyn Brenig sailor and home grown talent Chelsea Jackson.
Philip Watson of Llyn Brenig Sailing Club said: “We couldn't have asked for a better start to this new championship.
“The sailing was first class and the feedback was even better.
“It was particularly good to see so many local businesses willing to sponsor this event and help us start what we hope will become a regular fixture on the laser calendar.”
Full results from the Welsh Laser Inland and Open Championships are available online at www.llynbrenigsc.org.uk
Meanwhile, North Wales sailors brought down the curtain on the season in spectacular fashion, turning into as tussle between the lake boaters of Llyn Brenig and the sea-goers of Y Felinheli.
The series finale of the North Wales club youth racing circuit was held at Shotwick Sailing Club with nearly 50 sailors taking part despite national events drawing some of the top competitors away.
It was Llyn Brenig who took the spoils in the optimist training fleet with a clean sweep of the top prizes led by Alex Watson, as well as in the topper training fleet through Jack Shepherd, while Y Felinheli came out top in the optimist golf fleet through Ciaron Jones.
Just for variety, it was Pwllheli's Chris Jones who was second in that, but he also claimed the prize for winning the silver fleet for less experienced sailors.
Zed Spencer-Milne was the only windsurfer, so he turned that into a demonstration.
The topper class was won by Nellie Chadwick-Smith of Llyn Brenig, with Nefyn's William Piper winning the silver fleet and Jack Shepherd the training fleet.
Holyhead's Robin Cox was first in the general handicap.
This was the last of five races held over the summer providing quality racing for sailors of all ages and abilities.
It is a vital stepping stone for sailors looking to move up through the ranks and they were able to hear first hand from Welsh Sailing high performance manager Iwan Basten and chief executive Steve Morgan.
“This series is always a really competitive and congratulations to the North Wales regional committee for making it such a success once again,” said Welsh Sailing North Wales development officer Ruth Iliffe.
“It caters for experienced sailors who can practice against their squad mates and also novices taking part in their first event.
“This is the sort of event that will send sailors into their winter training with an extra spring in their step, while underlining the benefits sailing has to offer as a fun and competitive outdoor sport.”