GRAFHAM Water Sailing Club s Wednesday night series got off to a less than flying start last Wednesday as 44 boats took to the water in surprisingly calm conditions. However, there was enough wind to make for some thrilling racing in the Medium Fleet, whe

GRAFHAM Water Sailing Club's Wednesday night series got off to a less than flying start last Wednesday as 44 boats took to the water in surprisingly calm conditions.

However, there was enough wind to make for some thrilling racing in the Medium Fleet, where four Flying 15s crossed the line with less than a minute separating them.

Veteran Tony Wakefield held second spot from the start and, having shown good pace throughout the race, looked certain to finish second with less than 100 metres to go.

But a late charge from Bob Gatton caught Wakefield dozing, passing Wakefield to snatch second place by just a few yards.

Neither man could catch the husband-and-wife team of Dave and Jenny Philpott, who proved the value of their winter racing and got their Summer series off to a winning start.

Helmsman Andy Palmer and crewman Andy Johnston won the Fast Fleet in their RS400 series boat, with Andy Baldock and Sarah Raper hot on their heels.

The Slow Fleet was led home by Gordon Oscroft, who had plenty of clear water between himself and second placed Rob Cook.