STEVE Waite still trails the overall leaders in Highcliffe Sailing Club’s Harbour Frostbite Series despite an impressive pair of race victories.

Having missed the opening round, Waite finds himself with work to do to close the gap on early pacesetters John Phelps and Chris Perry.

In an unexpectedly good turnout in gloomy conditions, 15 boats braved the elements and a steady north-westerly wind.

The opener saw series-leader Phelps (Laser) race ahead of the pack with only Perry (Laser) for company to finish first in a curtailed two-lap contest. Both were overhauled by Waite (Laser), Pete Bell (Europe) and Ken Fowler (Laser Radial) on corrected results.

Phelps and Perry again started the second showdown well but the latter capsized following a fierce gust on the downwind leg.

Waite, Bell and Fowler took the top three positions on corrected results. Phelps finished fourth to hold a one-point lead at the summit at the halfway stage.