LOOE Sailing Club's Redwing fleet have returned from their first venture to foreign shores for their annual National championships.

This year's venue, Plérin-sur-Mer in Brittany, proved very popular, and the Bretagne hospitality was second to none, with a lot of new friends made during the week.

The hosts entered the competition for the first time, with two boats, and hope to expand their fleet in the future.

The first four races produced three different winners, with defending champion Peter Kinver, from Looe, taking two; fellow Looe sailor Colin Crabb, one, while there was a first win for Keith Buchanan, from the Isles of Scilly.

Going in to the two races on the final day, Kinver led Crabb by one point, before the latter was forced to retire from the fifth race with gear failure. Kinver took full advantage to win both races and retain the Champion's Trophy, thanks in no small part to his crew, Joe Palfrey.

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