STAWELL - There was a total of nine boats at Lake Fyans for what was the final race of the Stawell Yacht Club season.
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In light but pleasant weather conditions six of the club's burgeoning fleet of Impulse dinghies dominated the entry list.
Peter Knight was the only Impulse sailor to leave his boat in the shed, choosing instead to crew on the 125 skippered by Ross Bennett.
Andrew Pearce sailing his Laser and Mark Knights, once again the sole catamaran entry, made up the field.
Despite a nasty wind shift mid-race which nearly dunked him, Knights scooted off into the distance to take line honours in his Taipan.
The monohull skippers enjoyed some close racing from start to finish.
Promising junior sailor Casey Knight combined well with her father Johno in his Impulse, but they forfeited a little time retrieving a lost hat.
The 125 was well in the mix early only to fade out of contention after taking on water.
Pearce sailed well to lead for most of the way, at times with what seemed like an unassailable lead from George Grellet and John Knight.
Grellet however, who is experiencing a resurgence of form of late with his new rig had other plans.
Rounding the mark for the last windward beat he snuck under Pearce's Laser and headed for home, winning by about 90 seconds from Pearce and Jan Ibs von Seht third.
Grellet retained the win on handicap from club commodore Tony Hillier and Ibs von Seht, both of who sailed consistently for well-deserved placings.
At day's end George Grellet, who is also the club handicapper and Officer in Charge of Racing, revealed one of the worst kept secrets of the season, the winner of the 2013-14 Pennant series.
That title went to popular and enthusiastic Impulse sailor John Knight, who produced a dominant and consistent performance in a range of weather conditions, making him current club champion.
Halls Gap skipper Andrew Pearce put in a number of sterling efforts from limited starts over the season to secure second place in the series by just one point from defending champion Jan Ibs von Seht.
These achievements will be officially recognised by club members at theannual meeting in August.
The club wishes to acknowledge the valued ongoing support of Stawell Windows and Glass, who sponsored the final race.