WIND and waves provided a challenge for Jon Emmett at the second Noble Marine Laser Radial Autumn Qualifier.

The Laser Radial expert, a member of Castle Cove Sailing Club, was joined by more than 80 other sailors at Paignton Sailing Club.

The fleet was split into four flights due to the large number of competitors taking part.

There were large waves and winds of around 17 knots on day one making the launching in the morning extremely challenging.

For the races, a trapezoidal course was sailed which included two upwind sails and two downwinds.

Emmett led the way in race one and followed his good start with another victory in the second, before finishing third in the last.

Doing more than enough in the qualifying races, Emmett comfortably secured his place in the Gold fleet.

Concern over launching into the strong waves on day two led to a one-hour postponement, though the wind was slightly lighter than the previous day.

Emmett achieved a second, a sixth, and, in the last race of the event, a first.

Unfortunately, Emmett did not retain his top spot overall and was beaten by Olympic sailor Ali Young by just three points.

This was a reversal of the first autumn qualifier where Emmett beat Young on countback.

Meanwhile, Hannah Snellgrove finished in third place overall.

The third and final Laser Radial Autumn Qualifier will take place next weekend at Hayling Island Sailing Club.