Dittisham Sailing Club put on a special diamond jubilee regatta race on Sunday and were blessed with brisk conditions which were enjoyed by those who turned out to compete for total prize money of 60 guineas for the occasion.

 Race officer Jonathan Weeks entered into the spirit and incorporated no less than 34 J's in his Jubilee-themed pre race briefing. He was dressed in Union Jack shorts and jumper and even set a J-shaped course which ran for 60 minutes, one for each year of the Queen's reign! 

The fleet started in the centre of the river, using Chris Taylor's yacht as a committee boat. A starboard-biased line enabled Mark Heseltine's Devon Yawl to make an excellent port start to be first over the line. Close behind was Sam Mogridge in his Laser with Mike Bennett and Brian Perks, also in a Devon Yawl, not far behind.

John and Lizzie Smart's Dart 18 was soon in the lead followed by Sam with father Paul second in the Laser, showing a good turn of speed in the testing conditions. A tussle developed between the yawls with Heseltine having the upper hand until he unfortunately broke his boom on the penultimate lap and had to retire.

Shortly before the end, Paul Modridge capsized in a gust and, being unable to right his Laser without assistance, had to retire. In the meantime Pete Jocelyn was showing good speed and finished fourth. 

At the end of the race John Smart's Dart 18 was first over the line but second on handicap, winning 20 guineas. Sam Mogridge in his Laser showed skilful bursts of speed to win the race and with it 30 guineas. Mike Bennett was third, winning 10 guineas. A celebration tea was held afterwards, arranged by Richard and Mary Hayes, and the commodore David Thompson presented the monetary prizes and commemorative mugs. 

60 Guineas Diamond Jubilee Regatta Race results: 

1 S Mogridge, Laser. 2 J and L Smart, Dart 18. 3 M Bennett and B Perks, Devon Yawl.