The sixth and final heat of the winter series was conducted in gloomy weather with a strong north-westerly wind that was piping in at around 17 knots at the start and dropping down to only seven knots by the end of racing.

Five yachts from the mixed keel boat fleet were joined by a lone Flying Fifteen having its first sail in the series, all contesting the Princess Royal Sailing Club’s Brass Monkey Trophy.

Aileen Lucas, skippering Crazy, was very fortunate to start as the howling wind was blowing straight onto the pontoon where the Flying Fifteens are launched.

With the help of her husband Simon and his crew, they shoved Crazy into the wind enabling the boat to sail to the start line.

Simon Lucas wasn’t that lucky and couldn’t get away from the pontoon, retiring before he started.

It was a flying start, harbour course event and Jessie James, with Martin Ashburner at the helm, got a flyer followed by Just Grace, which was skippered by Harold Keay and moving well.

Not far off was Aileen Lucas in Crazy, shadowing Keay for the entire race.

Stephen Brown with Mary Maitland was having the better of Mark McRae in Sicarius, while Alastair Knowlend in Ines was well back and struggling.

All boats held these positions throughout with Jessie James unchallenged for speed but battling the handicap clock once again.

Crazy was looking good for a place midway and was improving on each leg.

Ines found it tough going and retired from the race leaving five to battle for victory.

Ashburner and crew were sailing faultlessly and crossed the finish line well ahead of the fleet but on corrected time could only manage second place.

As consolation, Jesse James was declared winner of the winter series overall.

Crazy had done enough on handicap to take the race three minutes ahead of Jessie James in a great effort by Aileen Lucas.

The always competitive Just Grace was rewarded with third place.

Sailing is now in recess until October’s opening day for the 2026-27 season.