The River Blackwater in Essex set its biggest challenge for the HR Owen Laser SB3 national championship fleet yesderday (Friday) with winds varying from 6-26 knots and shifting through 100 degrees.

The first race of the day got underway on the third attempt while the second race had to be abandoned twice before a satisfactory first windward leg could be achieved.

The day belonged to Graydon Dawson of Sunderland in Bullet who notched up a second and a first. Sailing with his son Thomas, a 49er sailor, Dawson looked the most comfortable when the breeze kicked in, demonstrating exemplary boat handling.

Glenn Bourke (Musto) scored a 4th and 2nd to retain his lead in the series, 9 points ahead of Doolalli (Colin Simonds) and Spank the Monkey (Nigel Olive-Jones) on equal points. If Dawson can discard his race one result he will be very much in the running.

Results (after 5 races)

1st Musto Glenn Bourke 9 pts

2nd Doolalli C.D Simonds 18 pts

3rd Spank the Monkey Nigel Olive- Jones 18 pts

4th 3 Sad Old Blokes Jerry Hill 23 pts

5th Laser Sailing Chris Blackburn 26 pts

6th Bullet Graydon Dawson 36 pts

7th SFG Henry & Luc Videau 42 pts

8th McCready Sailboats Brian Spence 53 pts

9th Baby Blue Ben & Jon Shelly 57 pts

10th Mr Skiddy Peter Kennedy 71 pts