Once a year Dittisham Sailing Club put on a long distance race downstream to the Castle Ledge Buoy, located in the approaches to Dart Harbour.

The forecast was not good and with a blustery north west wind, race officer Patrick Bromley wisely shortened the course so the competitors raced entirely within the river Dart. 

Not long after the start, David Thomson capsized his Phantom in a squall, but recovered only to go in again and retire.

A close battle developed between Jonathan Weeks and Joshua O'

Brien in their Albacore, Mike Bennett and Brian Perks in their Devon Yawl, followed closely by Barry Kenyon in a Laser and Neil Drew in his Finn.

All were very close at the Lower Ferry turning mark, but against a still ebbing tide had difficulties negotiating a route past the Higher Ferry.

Weeks squeezed by and built up a good lead which he kept on the loop part of the course below Old Mill Creek.

 Weeks and Drew had built up a good lead but that was to change at Maypool when the Albacore was becalmed and the Finn capsized in a gust. Drew needed assistance as his mast caught in the mud and so retired.

The wind increased at the Anchorstone, which caused problems for all boats but particularly the single handers, and Kenyon retired after several capsizes. 

Jonathan Weeks finished first on the water but had to lift his plate in the shallows as it was low tide. Second over the line was Mike Bennett, who won on handicap.

Martin Ely came third, having sailed a good, accident-free race. Also completing the race with a creditable fourth was Martin Fodder in his Devon Yawl. 

The next racing at Dittisham is next Sunday, April 29, at 10am.