Sussex Yacht Club's Christmas Cracker Series was completed last Sunday at Shoreham-by-Sea despite a lack of good winds.

A dozen boats went down to the start in light airs but there was just a faint gust every now and again which kept all on their toes just in case a really worthwhile breeze came along. That never happened and the race continued to the end in an unexciting procession.

The race did, however, produce yet another different set of first three results to the other two completed races.

The fourth race in the series was abandoned due to gale force winds prevailing.

The overall result reflected the closeness of the series with six points covering the first six places.

Tony Cross's win in the first race of the Christmas Cracker Series sailing his Spring 38 proved vital as he took the trophy with 139 points. In second place, just one point behind with 138 points, was Impish, sailed by Giles Hall and Chiron sailed by Paul Powter was third.

Eight boats completed all three races held at the Sussex Club.

Final points: 1 Enigma (Tony Cross) 139 pts, 2 Impish (Giles Hall) 138pts, 3 Chiron (Paul Powter) 138pts, 4 White Haze (John Reeve) 137pts, 5 Joe Crow (Roger Suffolk) 134pts, 6 Moonlight Saunter (David Skinner) 133pts, 7 Curved Air (Lawrence Woodhams) 123pts, 8 Dragon Singer (Derek Hicken) 114pts.

HASTINGS and St Leonards Sailing Club were due to hold the final race in their Winter Handicap Series last Sunday, but competitiors were greeted with a calm sea and no wind and the race was cancelled.

The eight race series for the first time has had to be decided by the result of the one completed race of three weeks ago thus giving brothers Shaun and Mark Pollard the trophy.

Winter Series final results: 1 Shaun and Mark Pollard (Dart 16), 2 Jim Cartlidge and Lee Potterton (Dart 16), 3 Roy Sandford (Laser).

The Club's AGM is on Sunday January 14 and the next season starts on Sunday March 25, 2001 when there will be the usual full programme of races including being the host club for the Federation Cup. This is a team event between all the clubs from Rye Sailing Club in the East to Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club in the West. That event is fixed for May 13.

The inland weather was also made of light winds but Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club's inland lake at Piddinghoe, despite being fairly well sheltered, got enough to complete round seven of the club's Winter Series.

In both classes, Toppers and Development, the lack of real wind, even though there were odd gusts, meant the fleets became spread out over the whole course. The race was completed without incident of any kind and once again the weather had the last laugh - the wind died completely as the boats finished and all sailors ended up by having to paddle back to the clubhouse.

The Development Class race saw current series leader Paul Ryan, sailing his Laser, have his winning ways stopped by Phil Elford sailing another Laser. Phil on vacation from Portsmouth University along with team-mate Neil Arnott, is awaiting delivery of their RS 800 which they are determined to sail next season and sail with even more success than they did in their Buzz. In third place was Matt Springhall.

Overall Places:1 Paul Ryan (Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club), 2 Alan Simmons (Lancing Sailing Club), 3 The Liddicote Family (Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club).

There was also a different winner in the Topper Class. Nick Muggridge from the Lancing Sailing Club, took the lead from the off and never looked back winning his first race for some time by nearly three minutes. Tim Cox, try as he might could not catch up at all and came in second. Preston Taylor was third.

Overall Places: 1 Tim Cox (Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club), 2 Tom Nicholls (Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club), 3 Nick Muggridge (Lancing SC).

This Winter Series will be completed on Boxing Day but the club will be holding a Wine Race at the Piddinghoe Lake on Christmas Eve. The event is open to anyone and starts at 11.00am.

Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club will be hosting another Wine Race at Piddinghoe Lake on New Year's Day.

Again all are welcome and further details can be obtained from Kay Young on 01323 490798.

- Peter Phipps