WIRRAL crews competing in the Menai Strait Regattas Fortnight enjoyed mixed conditions during the first week.

The Beaumaris to Caernarvon race on the middle Wednesday is always one of the highlights of the festival but it turned into a hard windward slog all the way.

The forecast for Saturday at Port Dinorwic was a real threat and sadly the wind freshened considerably at start time.

Plenty of competitors did not come to the line and there were numerous retirements during the competition.

Harrier (Peter Price) posted three victories in the Falcon Class during the week. John Corkhill struck twice in Aquila and John Burthem once in Hawk.

Hirondelle with Gemima Riley helming was best of the Dee based Hilbres with three first places.

Hilsa (Chris Booth) and Highlight (Gerald Riley) also took line honours along with Roger Glover who was well reefed down for success on Saturday and headed three rivals.

The Schlater family dominated in the West Kirby Stars aboard Mars with four successes. The other winners were Doug Smith in Cygnus and John Begley in Mercury.

Geoffrey Watt aboard Aida took pole position in the Hoylake Operas on four occasions.

Carmen under Peter Gibson was the other winner. The entire fleet sensibly surrendered early at Dinorwic.

Dave Massey had Merrimac at the head of affairs in the Mersey Mylnes on three occasions. Chris Kay won twice in Meridian and John Walsby-Tickle once in Mercantile.

Royal Mersey Yacht Club were hosting yesterday's Regatta and Hoylake Sailing Club will be in charge for today's event which has an 11am start at the same venue.

The festival closes on Saturday with the Royal Anglesey Regatta.