Saltash's fourth race in their first Thursday night series was greeted with dry but overcast weather with winds south easterly, force 2 - 3 gusting force four. The start was down river to Hamoaze, the first mark, against a just rising tide. For IRC, the rest of the course was Lyhner and South Skirham whilst PY went round Lylmer followed by Drunel Green.
Lacewing (Terry Curtis) had the best start off the line in the IRC race but due to an unfortunate incident running aground on the leg back from South Skinham they were not able to maintain their advantage. Line honours went to Muskox (Neville Davenport), with Jazz (Stephen Hills) crossing two minutes later and Judicious (John and Nina Lillie) crossing third. On corrected time, two minutes difference was enough for Jazz to take the winning position away from Muskox and Shara Of York (Peter Noakes) took third.
In the PY race, Mr Shifter (Marcus Anderson) got away first off the line but competition was tough and Confucius (Dave Oliver) after many changes of position, eventually took line honours with Mr Shifter close behind but these two were well ahead of the rest of the pack with Rough Diamond (Dave Moore) crossing third some five minutes behind them.
On corrected time Rough Diamond came out on top with Confucius second and Mr Shifter third. The resuks of the PY race are subject to protest by Jabberwocky (Brian Cann) over an altercation with Evening Storm (Bill Brimble).
Full results - IRCA+B - Jazz (Steven Hills); Muskox (Neville Devonport); Shara of York (Peter Noakes).
PYA - Rough Diamond (David Moore); Confucius (Dave Oliver); Mr Shifter (Marcus Anderson).