NEWS that most sailing elsewhere had been cancelled did not deter the 36 starters who came to the line in the first race of the Guildford Marine Frensham Frenzy at Frensham Pond on Sunday.

This two-race handicap pursuit event is open to allcomers and, as well as local crews, the racing was joined by visitors from as far away as Penzance, with others from Poole, Portsmouth, Datchet and Ranalagh on the Thames.

Gusting winds and surprise squalls caused multiple capsizes and much entertainment for spectators while keeping the safety boats busy.

But the day belonged to local sailor Keith Videlo. The vastly experienced National Champion in the single-handed Solo Class dinghy had decisive wins in both races, in the second lapping all but one of his opponents.

Runners-up were Neville Herbert and Steve Penfold from Datchet Sailing Club in their Albacore class dinghy.

Local Lark class sailors, Chris Ellis and Ed Smith, battled with Laser competitor Clive Eplett, with the Lark pair just shading it into third place.

In the junior Cadet class, local crew Matthew Wood and Chris Griffin finished a creditable 14th. Special mention goes to the youngest crew, Cadets Nicky Curwen and Elliot Boardman, both under 15, who fought bravely to combat the extreme conditions.

Guildford Marine, event sponsors, presented a generous array of prizes. Special awards went to best family crew, Phil and Lynda Whitney; first lady competitor, Rebecca Marriott. Most spectacular capsize was won by a crew from Parkstone in Dorset.

With the wild weather, , the Frenzy lived up to its name and provided a competitive and enjoyable day's sailing.

Frensham Pond Sailing Club believe the event is now firmly established in the sailing callender.

Final results: 1st, Keith Videlo (Solo, Frensham Pond); 2nd, Neville Herbert & Steve Penfold (Albacore, Datchet SC); 3rd, Chris Ellis & Ed Smith (Lark, Frensham Pond); 4th, Clive Eplett (Laser, Frensham Pond); 5th, Bruce Hill (Laser, Frensham Pond); 6th, Nick Hurst & Sam Booth (Lark, Frensham Pond).