Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club were in action either side of Christmas Day as an eight-year-old served up a seasonal treat.

There was an enthusiastic turnout for the Christmas Eve Wine Race and the all-important final race in their Year 2000 Winter Series.

On Christmas Eve, there was a cold force three blowing at the club's sheltered inland lake at Piddinghoe for the annual Wine Race. The number of varied class boats gave race organiser Kay Young no problem in setting an interesting course.

Phil Elford sailed well in his Laser but could not match the superb sail given by eight-year-old Patrick Liddicoate, who took the honours for the day.

Young said: "This was no Christmas gift. Phil did all he could to win, in fact, he was so impressed by Patrick's race that he lost no time in going over to shake his hand as soon as he had landed."

The result left a pleased committee with a headache, for the prize of wine was not really suitable for the winner. Elford saved the day by suggesting that Ginger Beer would be equally acceptable.

Final result: 1 Patrick Liddicoate (Optimist), 2 Phil Elford (Laser Radial), 3 Nick Muggridge.

- Peter Phipps