BOTH Royal Mersey Yacht Club and Hoylake Sailing Club enjoyed successful Regattas at Beaumaris last week during the Menai Strait Fortnight.

It was touch and go for Royal Mersey with lack of wind causing a delay.

But then suddenly the breeze appeared at strength and the going was fast and furious over a short lap course set for the calmer conditions.

The Charles Mack Cup was at stake for the five strong Mersey Mylnes and it was taken comfortably by David Massey in Merrimac.

Hoylake were blessed with favourable conditions for their Regatta and it was a real test for the crews on a falling tide.

The Hoylake Operas produced the closest finsh of the day with Geoffrey Watt in Aida edging out Steve Stratton in Fidelio by half a boat length to take the Gough Trophy.

West Kirby winners included John Corkhill in the Falcon Aquila, Gemima Riley in the Hilbre Hirondelle and the Schlater family in the Star Mars. Merrimac led the Mylnes.

The second half of the festival opening opened in glorious sunny weather at Menai Bridge on the Monday and it was also sunshine sailing on Thursday when the fleet sailed round Puffin Island in the Beaumaris Town Regatta in one of the special features of the festival.

Mars, Hirondelle and Merrimac maintained winning form.

Peter Price in Harrier headed the Falcons and Steve Stratton took the Opera prize.

Conway Yacht Club were in charge on Friday at Beaumaris when a fading breeze brought about a number of retirements.

The festival concluded with the Royal Anglesey event on Saturday in a smart westerly breeze which persuaded many crews to stay ashore.

At least it was rewarding for officials that racing went ahead on all twelve days. Overall series winners for the Fortnight included Harrier, Hirondelle, Aida, Mars and Merrimac.