Autumn Points Series is decided at Welland Yacht Club

Mark Scourfield was the winner as a closely-fought Autumn Points Series concluded at Welland Yacht Club on Sunday.

Scourfield finished one point clear of Alan Cox with Richard Stedman securing a third place finish overall.

Three races were sailed in Sunday's finale in glorious autumn sunshine and a light breeze which encouraged 11 boats to the start.

This included young sailors William Stabler and visitor Buddy Hunt who was taking a break from his Optimist squad training.

Scourfield judged the start of race one the best and was first away ahead of Cox and Mark Holland on a busy start line.

The tacking up to Chilvers Corner remained tight with small gains won and lost as the wind varied in strength and direction.

The lead boats pulled away in the run back to the clubhouse where Cox squeezed past Scourfield just before the turning buoy to take the victory.

However, when the handicaps were applied, it was Scourfield in first spot ahead of Cox while Stedman and Alan Chapman tied for third place.

Stedman edged ahead at the start of race two but, with the breeze now fading, Scourfield just managed to pass him on Shelly's Bush corner.

Cox then came into contention but Scourfield took the honours on the line by one second with Stedman crossing in a credible third place.

After the handicaps were applied, Scourfield retained first place and was followed by Stedman and Cox in third while Hunt claimed a very creditable fourth place.

The wind had increased slightly for the third race where Scourfield, Chapman, Cox and Holland all made good starts.

Cox took the lead and Chapman then overtook Scourfield to gain second place on the water as the places did not change for the next two laps.

Cox extended his advantage to cross the line first and was followed by Chapman, Scourfield and Holland.

After the handicaps were applied, Cox came out on top with Scourfield second and Chapman in third.

Special mention goes to Stabler who stayed out and kept racing even when the wind died and finished the course in the Topper.