Bala Sailing Club attracted a fleet of 43 dinghies to their August Regatta, sponsored by Bala Adventure and Watersports.  The competitors were divided into Fast and Slow Handicap fleets.  With prompt starts, 9 races were held over the three-day event, with the prize-giving completed by 3 p.m. on Monday.  Prizes were given down to eight places in the Fast Handicap fleet and to second place in the Slow.  Wind conditions were very testing, with strengths varying from force 3 to near zero, sometimes in the same race.

In the Fast Handicap fleet, Steve Bales and Martin Owen-Hughes in their RS 400 often enjoyed and took advantage of clear winds at the front of the fleet, although David and Julie Sykes in their RS 400 presented a significant challenge on occasions.  John and Maggie Eaton, returning to their old club, sailed particularly well in the light airs in their Flying 15.  However, some of the more interesting tactical racing occurred mid-fleet, where Chris and Anne Biglin in their Lark, Dave and Kate Eccles in their Laser 2000 and Dave Wall in his Blaze sailed very skilfully.  Chris and Ann Biglin were particularly adept at choosing the correct side of the beat and invariably gained a telling advantage over the other dinghies.  The overall regatta winner was decided on the result of the last race where Chris and Ann sealed their victory by gaining first place, while Steve Bales and Martin Owen-Hughes only managed fourth place.

The Slow Handicap fleet was dominated by John Raine and Jane Hill in their National 12.  They were highly delighted and surprised to win eight out of the  nine races.  Jack and Jenny Mead in their Enterprise were equally consistent, gaining eight second places.

Results

Fast Handicap
1st Chris and Anne Biglin, Lark, Shustoke
2nd Steve Bales and Martin Owen-Hughes, RS 400, RAFSA
3rd John and Maggie Eaton, Flying 15, Brenig
4th David and Julie Sykes, RS 400, Ullswater
5th Dave and Kate Eccles, Laser 2000, Bala
6th Dave Wall, Blaze, Bala
7th Johna and Lizzie Smith, RS 400, RAFSA
8th Andy Hodgson, RS 700, Bala

Slow Handicap
1st John Raine and Jane Hill, 12, North Staffs
2nd Jack and Jenny Mead, Ent, Brimingham Brookvale
3rd Tony and Ann Millichope, 12, Bala
4th Sarah Collingwood, Laser radial, Chelmarsh
5th Ben Taylor, Laser Radial, Bala