THERE was a splendid start to the second half of the Menai Strait Fortnight yesterday with conditions excellent for the Menai Bridge Boat Club Regatta.

There was a spinnaker run at the outset from under the lea of the Suspension Bridge but the crews later faced plenty of windward work in a moderate south westerly breeze. The sunshine was a welcome addition and certainly brought out the best in Howard Mattocks who steered Siglen to a commanding victory in the Fife Class.

The Seabirds made their first appearance with Andy Watson aboard Sandpiper taking the winning gun.

Mike Hartley aboard Harrier held the whip hand in the Falcons. Meridian continued winning ways in the Mylnes but this time under a different helmsman, Paul Flower.

Doug Hardie commanded in the Menai One Designs in Suzanne to lift the Lady MacIver challenge cup.

A close Star contest went to John Laing in Juno. It was more clear cut in the Operas with La Tosca (Gavin Melling) in the clear.

The turn out was by far the biggest to date and should be maintained today when the fleet is due to race round Puffin Island in the Beaumaris Town Regatta.

Leading results: Falcon: 1. Harrier (M.Hartley); 2. Hawk (J.Burthem); 3, Lanner (A.Whittle) all West Kirby. Squib: 1. Cybi (R.Roberts); 2. Greenfly (J.Stead); 3. Thistle (E.Davies) all Royal Anglesey. Mylne: 1. Meridian (P.Flower); 2. Mercantile (J.Walsby-Tickle); 3. Mersey (S.Collings) all Royal Mersey. Fife: 1. Siglen (H.Mattocks); 2. Sard (M.Lynskey); 3. Starlight (G.B.Turner) all Royal Anglesey. Conway OD: 1. Seriol (A.Davies, Conway). Menai OD: 1. Suzanne (D.Hardie); 2. Playmate (J.McClymont); 3. Scottie (J.Williams) all Royal Anglesey. Hilbre: 1. Highwayman (R.Glover); 2. Highlight (G.Riley); 3. High Hat (D.Pontin) all West Kirby. Seabird: 1. Sandpiper (A.Watson); 2. Skua (J.Carrier); 3. Kittiwake (C.Hilton) all Wallasey. Opera: 1. La Tosca (G.Melling); 2. Fidelio (S.Stratton); 3. Aida (G.Watt) all Hoylake. Star: 1. Juno (J.Laing); 2. Jupiter (D.Mayhew); 3. Carina (P.Willcock) all West Kirby.