Pete Wiles Takes It Back to Poole

Congratualtions go to Peter Wiles for clinching the RA National Championships in the last race with a nail biting drifter to close the event.

Tied on points going into the last heat A, Peter and Derek Priestley had it all to play for.

Initially in front at the wing mark a mix up at the leeward gate saw Peter fall behind as the two skippers took different sides of the course. Whilst turning much later than Derek the wind filled in on Peter's side of the course giving him the advantage once again at the reach.

The second time though the gate both skippers changed sides and whilst it looked like Peter had the windward advantage on the port gate, Derek began lifting from leeward hoping to climb up to the finish.

With yards to go Derek had to go on Port but with Peter coming in on Starboard the Fleetwood skipper was forced back around again and below the finish mark.

So 3 days of exciting racing in four seasons of weather came down to the last few feet. Incredible!

Congatulations therefore to Peter Wiles for a solid weekends performance and commiserations to Derek Priestley for just being pipped at the post.

Full results to be posted later on (after tea!!)