Stephen Lee steers Flasheart to winter series heat one victory ahead of Cambio and Zuri

Only three division two yachts competed in heat one of the six-leg winter series in a flying start harbour course event last Saturday.

Division one skipper Brett Hawker, after a long lay-off with Jessie James, took it out for a test run and no doubt will be in the action next outing.

Stephen Lee won the start with Flasheart getting away smartly from Ian Johnston in Cambio.

Neil Worrell will still be kicking himself, for had he started on time may well have won the race on corrected time.

He sailed well for much of the race and will look forward to heat two.

The autumn weather was pleasant for sailing with warm sunshine and a steady south-westerly that never reached 11 knots.

Flasheart went on its merry way opening up a huge lead in a faultless display.

With a big handicap, Lee knew he had to be well in front of the other two for any chance of victory.

Johnston lost ground to Zuri when his navigation went astray but was able to stay in second position throughout.

Worrell was sailing well and putting pressure on Cambio in the latter stages.

Meanwhile, Stephen Lee had stamped his authority on the race to win easily.

He finished eight minutes ahead of Cambio but only three minutes on corrected time.

Lee also recorded the fastest time in a mighty effort.

Cambio was second finishing three minutes ahead of Zuri which was third.

Heat two will start at 1.30pm on Saturday for division two, and 2pm for division one.