A dull day with a fresh north-westerly breeze greeted the entrants for the Sandhopper Founders Trophy run by Thorpe Bay Yacht Club at the weekend.

The conditions suited Phil Crawford and Matt Rainbow, sailing "Francis Van Looys Pray", as they proceeded to reel off three convicing wins.

Peter Thomson, sailing Flying Tortoise, showed good speed, as did On The Hop, sailed by William and Sue Daly, and the recently-launched Little Wing, sailed by David Johnson.

The wind had moderated for Sunday's races with Pray notching another first after a good tussle with On the Hop. Little Wing came in third.

With Pray sitting out the final race, On the Hop and Little Wing had a doing-dong battle in the fading breeze. Little Wing eventually won this race.

Overall result, Founders Trophy: first - Pray (Phil Craford and Matt Rainbow), second - On The Hop (Sue and William Daly); third - Little Wing (David Johnson).

Pair receive Nore honour

South Essex sailors Dave King and Rob Scriven returned to dry land to accept their awards at the annual Nore Race prizegiving at Benfleet Yacht Club.

Rob, a member of the host club, receieved his award for topping the pile in the group three mono-hull cruiser category in his boat, the 36ft Sun Odyssey "Roller Coaster".

Dave, of Thorpe Bay Yacht Club, took the Group One title for multi-hull dinghies in his Tornado catamaran, White Bird.

More than 200 boats took part in the annual race, which started at Southend Pier in south-westerly winds varying from force 3-5.

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