BREEZY, exhausting, but great fun. That was Mudeford Week, the annual regatta hosted by Mudeford SC which brings together many of Christchurch Harbour's keenest dinghy sailors.

The wind blew itself up to Force 5/6 during the helter-skelter week. But the fleet became so acclimatised that on the Thursday, when conditions moderated to a mere 16 knots - normally the top of most club sailors' ability - reefs were actually shaken out and there were more boats on the start line and in the junior fleet than for the whole week.

On the Tuesday, when junior racing was cancelled, 15 sailors still braved the breeze - and some up-side down sailing on the start line!

John Morgan was first of the fast fleet to finish in his Laser - but by then son James, sailing a Topper, had finished, had a cup of tea and shower and put his boat away. So it was no surprise to find he had beaten Dad by eight points.

But, to cap it all, Oppie sailor Max Holloway finished five minutes and a lap after John to still win overall on handicap.

Friday was touted as the day when the wind finally eased and everyone could get afloat. Well, 43 boats made it, and five late starters, but the wind was a good Force 4 when the sea breeze kicked in, causing some dismounts and entertaining gybing.

Prizewinners were - Anchor Trophy: 1 Rowena Hope (Radial), 2 James Rusden (Topper), 3 Derek Burdell (Laser). Weekend Series Fast Fleet: 1 Leon Ward (Laser, Shearwater SC), 2 Steve Holes (Comet), 3 Derek Burdell (Laser). Slow Fleet: 1 Max Holloway (Oppie), 2 Will Rusden (Oppie), 3 James Rusden (Oppie). Crewed Fleet: 1 Roy and LukeSmith (Comet Duo), 2 John Snelling and Bob George (Miracle), Richard Thomas and Glyn (Laser 16). Mudeford Week Series Fast Fleet: 1 Peter Reid (Laser), 2 Mark Merritt (Laser), 3 Mike Stagg (Radial). Slow Fleet: 1 James Morgan (Topper), 2 Max Holloway (Oppie), 3 Connie Bell (Gull).

Poole YC Late Summer Cruiser Series (Aug 21) - Class 1: 1 Uproar (M Moseley), 2 Tigerlily (G Baxter), 3 Resume (I Standbridge). Class 2: 1 Skullduggery (D J Withers), 2 Spellbound (P Mecklenburgh), 3 Dream On (R Vincent). Class A: 1 Minstral (M Sharpes), 2 Misty (D E J Taylor), 3 Skellig (D Winwood). Class 3A: 1 Dragonfly (S Fallon), 2 Odin (S Gill), 3 Salty Sparrow (K Cross). Class 3B: 1 Fraid 'Not (R Bond), 2 Hakuna Matata (J Booth), 3 Shoshone (W Dennis). Class R19: 1 Rant N Rave (D J Hale), 2 Renegade (N Paine), 3 Raffles (A J Richardson).

GP14s Late Summer Thursday Series (Aug 16): One of the windiest races so far this season (SW F6) saw heavy weather specialist Joint Venture lead the 14-boat fleet throughout, finishing ahead of two of the lightest crews, in Gateau Passion and Chanterelle.

Result: 1 Joint Venture (Peter Harlow and Jamie Fear), 2 Gateau Passion (Mike and Maggie Williams), 3 Chanterelle (Graham Wallen and Serina Thorley).