Two skippers with identical yachts from the Princess Royal Sailing Club’s mixed keel boat fleet decided to compete in a harbour course race last Saturday despite the dreadful and unseasonal weather conditions.

Neil Worrell was having his first outing with Zuri while Stephen Brown was in his second race for the new sailing season with Mary Maitland.

Brown won the start easily from Zuri and was moving well in the 24-knot easterly.

However, after his sluggish start, Worrell rounded the first mark well ahead.

Brown hoisted his spinnaker and gave chase eventually catching Worrell who had opted not to use a spinnaker.

Mary Maitland went on to lead the way for the remainder of the race with Zuri always close behind and always a threat with a good handcap.

At times the boats disappeared in the fog-like drizzle only to reappear hundreds of meters from where they were last seen.

Zuri was a minute behind on the final leg but cut that time down to 28 seconds as Brown took fastest time and second place.

Worrell was declared the winner on corrected time by almost five minutes in a fine effort from both boats.

There were some wet, cold and bedraggled sailors who made for the bar and drinks after Worrell rang the bell.