Grafham Water Sailing Club’s Mark Aldridge triumphs at home event

Home sailor Mark Aldridge was victorious during the Gill Dart 15 Winter TT event at Grafham Water earlier this month.

From a field of 13 competitors who turned out in near perfect conditions for sailing, Aldridge triumphed in each of the three rounds.

In the first race, Aldridge got himself around the windward mark in pole position and despite being closely followed by Rutland Water Sailing Club’s Steve Sawford, he held out to take top spot.

A central approach in the second race proved to be fruitful for Aldridge, although he was lucky to remain upright on the third lap after attempting to sail upwind of an ill-positioned fishing boat.

Sawford got himself in front early on in the third and final race of the event, but Aldridge wrestled himself into the ascendancy during the second lap and from there he did not look back.

Visiting sailor Sawford did enough to finish in the runner-up position overall, while Grafham Water’s Simon Farthing completed the podium.

Meanwhile, entries are now open for the popular Gill Optimist Easter Egg and Youth Regatta being held at Grafham Water on Easter weekend (April 7-8).

Now in its ninth year, the event is designed for youth sailors to gain experience of competing at open meetings.

Entries can be made, at a cost of £32, by visiting grafham.org.