Sailors battle for the Friendship Trophy

It may be called the Friendship Trophy but Perth Sailing Club members showed off their competitive edge on the River Tay.

The series of races sees sailors compete for a trophy donated to the club by the Royal Tay Corinthian Boat Club, based in Dundee, who make an annual voyage to the Fair City during the summer months.

Seven boats entered the first of four races and were welcomed by fair weather conditions with a westerly force four, gusting 5-6.

With Jack Douglas being the only boat clear at the start - and the top mark having drifted from its mooring - the race was abandoned.

Following adjustments and due to frisky conditions the course was shortened to two laps and the race restarted.

All boats made a clean start as Jack, helming a Laser, took control of the lead at the end of the first lap, followed closely by Peter Bevan.

Ivan Kossko was in third position and the Firefly of Andrew Porteous only a second behind.

Next came the slower Miracle helmed by Doug Ogilvie with James Curley, in a Laser, to the rear.

Both James and Jack experienced a capsize which resulted in lost time and position.

First over the line at the end of the second and final round was Peter, followed by Jack with Andrew in third position.

Eight boats took part in the second race of the evening with Chris Watson joining the fleet helming his Laser.

There were two capsizes before the race got underway – Peter and Ivan but both recovered for the start.

Positions remained similar throughout the race as Jack took the line, followed by Chris in second and Andrew in third position.

The penultimate race witnessed seven boats, met by a very light wind, enter the water.

The fleet was recalled at the start as everyone bar one boat had drifted over the line due to the strong incoming tide.

With the course shortened to one round of two marks, Hunter Williamson helming his Solo was first over the line.

He was followed by the two Lasers of James Curley and Bob Watson.

The fourth and final race of the series had to be cancelled due to no wind.

Results after handicap: Saturday, July 14 - Race 1 - 1st Marsh Daisy (P Bevan), 2nd Laser (J Douglas), 3rd Laser Radial (I Kossko). Race 2 - 1st Laser (J Douglas), 2nd Blue Meanie (C Watson), 3rd Whooper (A Porteous).

Sunday, July 15 – Race 1 - 1st Whoof (H Williamson), 2nd Laser (J Curley), 3rd Blue Meanie (B Watson).

Overall winner of Friendship Trophy – Ivan Kossko. Runner up – Andrew Porteous.