TWENTY-eight boats from 16 clubs competed in the RS 400s at Parkstone Yacht Club, sailing in Poole Bay.

With light winds and sunshine forecast, Saturday turned out even worse.

Race officer Mike Collins tried to get the fleet away on the first race, but when the wind reversed through 180 before the windward mark, the race was unfortunately abandoned.

The second race was little better with the fleet hoisting kites within a few metres of the start line and the course almost reversed.

However, Russ Gibbs showed his potential for the weekend by crawling away from Nigel Hammond and Hywel Roberts to take the win.

In the third race, the zephyrs were almost consistent.

Local helm Neal Freeman got away after a black flag start.

Freeman held on to win from another local, Duncan Glen, with Gibbs showing consistent front-running in third.

Prayers were said overnight, but Sunday dawned with sun and no wind.

However, following a delay, the third race got underway in a steadily increasing seven-knot breeze.

Gibbs, Glen and Robin Kenyon all showed good light wind speed to finish in that order from Phil Jackson and Freeman.

By race four, the breeze was building to sighs of relief from everyone.

From a tight start, Gibbs and Glen resumed battle with Kenyon close behind, chased by John Date.

Gibbs took the race and with it the series with a race to spare.

Glen beat Kenyon which made the last race a battle for the minor places.

With a near-perfect breeze but also strong tide, the black flag was implemented with dire consequences for Glen who found himself going home early, accompanied by Gibbs and Date, all from the front-runners at the windward mark.

With a full three rounds, the fleet could finally enjoy some excellent sailing with the sea providing the chop challenge.

Freeman romped away with Jackson in pursuit.

Kenyon capitalised on Glen's DSQ to take third place and with it second overall.

Overall results: 1 Russ Gibbs and Jayne Singleton (Starcross), 2 Robin Kenyon and Badger (Hamble SC), 3 Duncan Glen and Simon Flack (Parkstone YC).

Other Parkstone results - Wayfarer Wednesday Series (May 8): 1 Moonshadow (Dave Veal and Pete Keeping), 2 Devon Pickle (Bruce Gridley and Terry Berrett), 3 Silver Greyhound (Keith Cameron and Judy Rosen). Wayfarer Saturday Series (May 11): 1 Shooting Stars (Richard Readings and crew), 2 Watery Moments (Colin May and Sarah Wallis), 3 Devon Pickle (Bruce Gridley and Terry Berrett).

XOD (May 8): 1 X155 Blue on Blue (W McNeill and A Tredrea), 2 X51 Athena (Mr and Mrs Flanders and M and P Flanders), 3 X190 Pandora III (Mr and Mrs H Deavin).

Saturday (May 11th): 1 X 51 Athena (Mr and Mrs Flanders and M and P Flanders), 2 X190 Pandora III (Mr and Mrs H Deavin), 3 X194 Alvine X (H B Evans and A L Evans).