LIVELY northerly winds reaching 25 knots made for exciting racing at Mylor Yacht Club on Friday evening.

In some of the toughest conditions of the season, plenty of skippers and crews put on brave faces and headed out on the water.

In H Class, six Shrimpers and the Cape Cutter took on the waves and it was Brian Phipps who sailed them the best onboard Ysella to take first place ahead of Henrietta and Sophie.

Sea water and heavy rain flowing onto the decks was causing issues for the crews in Q Class with all the boats reefing except for Topsy who charged ahead.

The lead changed three times during the race with Tilly of Mylor crossing the line first, but the victory was given to Topsy on handicap.

U Class proved to a tactical battle with the captains who opted for bigger sails eventually getting the edge on the second lap as Splinter secured a victory ahead of Wizard of Clee and Lez Beez Neez.

John Kulpa did well in strong winds to win E Class, beating Nightowler into second place and the J24 Joker, manned by Mylor Sailability, came third.