HAYLING Island Sailing Club's grip on the Prince of Wales Cup was released when Archie Massey of Itchenor Sailing Club took the honours in the International 14s UK Class Championship sailed in Poole Bay.

The trophy, originally donated by then Prince of Wales who was later to become the Duke of Windsor, is presented to the winner of one long race which this year attracted 30 International 14 racing dinghies that are regarded as the sailing world's equivalent of Formula One racing cars.

This year's race, which had a seven-hour time limit, was part of a week-long regatta hosted by Parkstone Yacht Club.

On a course set by principal race officer Barry Rolfe, the first mark saw Massey, sailing with wireman George Newton, go ahead followed by Hayling Island rivals James Fawcett and Dave Dubrejevic.

With considerably shifting winds that meant the course having to be reset, the race lead continued to change with Massey, Fawcett and Martin Jones all involved.

Eventually, Massey and Newton broke to establish a clear lead and take the Prince of Wales Cup from their Hayling Island opponents who had held the cup for the last two years.

In the classic International 14 fleet, for boats more than 10 years old without modern modifications, the winner was James Vaughan sailing with Alistair Wilson from Rickmansworth Sailing Club.

First ladies were Katie Norton and Louise Hickey from Island Sailing Club who finished with more men behind them than in front.

Silver replicas of the cup were awarded to the first six.