THERE was a lively finish in all three races at the fourth round of the Harkers Yard Gigs Winter Series.

It took place at the River Blackwater venue of St Lawrence and was hosted by Stone Sailing Club.

Despite being overcast, the conditions were good for racing and all three races were subject to the mass start, a favourite with rowers and spectators.

The triangular course took the boats downstream to a portside turn, across the channel for a second portside turn before the long leg back past Stone Sailing Club.

The last turn, near to the finish line, made for an exciting finish in all races.

In the Ladies’ race, Maldon Gig Rowing Club’s Record Reign proved to be the strongest team, finishing first in a time of 22 minutes 48 seconds to maintain their overall lead in the series.

Aquiline of Rowhedge took second in 23m 11s and Brightlingsea’s Vanduara completed the course in third place in 23m 22s.

The home team’s ladies in Fly finished a close fourth, followed by Wivenhoe Corsair’s Defiance.

As the tide turned, the Men’s race was won by Brightlingsea’s Vanduara (20m18s), chased all the way by Rowhedge Coastal Rowing Club’s Aquiline, finishing in 20m 29s.

Stone Sailing Club’s Fly had an excellent finish in third (21m 03s), followed closely by both Maldon gigs: Record Reign and Ready.

The Mixed race saw a close-fought battle between Brightlingsea Coastal Rowing Club’s Vanduara and Mersea’s Mehalah.

Vanduara won in a time of 22m 40s, with Mehalah finishing in 23m 06s.

Maldon’s Record Reign rounded off the top three in 23m 21s.

Rowhedge’s Aquiline completed the course in fifth, followed by Willow, from Burnham-on-Sea Rowing Club.

The next race takes place at Brightlingsea, on December 17.

Full details of this week’s racing and overall points can be seen at Harker’s Yard Gigs facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/harkersyardrowers/