CHRIS Ducker signed off the tragedy-hit Windermere Cruising Association Winter Series in winning style.

A sailing accident during the attempted third-round re-sail on March 10 robbed the scene of a popular sailor, who drowned after a freak wind assailed the fleet.

Despite this sad happening, a strong 33-strong fleet gathered for the final round over an Olympic course in the South Lake.

A pleasant force 2-3 from the south veering slowly south south-west made placement on the water the key factor, the glee of a good tack turning to despair as boats passed under the transome of a grinning rival.

Demonstrating again his tremendous pace, Chris Ducker's Cork 1720 'Flying Duckman', aided by his crew from Windermere SC, took line honours and was placed first on corrected time, as befitting the Series winner.

Highly satisfied Mark Brammer in X99 'Xstatic' was second for his best result of the series, in which he took the Sports Boat award.

From north of the Border, Neil McLure gave the Sonata regulars a shake-up with a Mid-Fleet win, ahead of Mid-Fleet class winner 'Eric the Boat', after a fierce challenge from Nigel Harris's 'Moonlight' and David Dolman's 'Irie Blue'.

'Catch', the racy looking Tonner, new to the series and runner-up to Formula One 'Hitch Hiker' in the Fast Handicap Fleet, came next, ahead of David Atkinson's lively First Class '7', followed by Jim Starkie's Sonata 'Shockwave' and 'Sting'.

Colin Bragg's Formula One 'Flossie' with John Jackson on the stick was next.

Colin Holden's Hunter 707 'Pond Life', which was second overall, followed ahead of Sonata 'A Sharp Exit', winner of the Mid-Fleet overall.

Series award-winners: 1st Chris Ducker, 'The Flying Duckman; 2nd & 1st Sonata Steve Goacher, 'Eric the Boat'; 3rd & 2nd Sonata Nigel Harris, 'Moonlight'.

Cruiser Fleet: 1st & 1st 210/211 Rob Jagger, 'Harry Eau'; 2nd & 1st Newcomer, Anthony Brindle, 'Ben'.

Mid-Fleet: 1st Martin Hartley, 'A Sharp Exit'; 2nd & 3rd WCA Trevor Roberts, 'Spin Off'; 3 Mike Hayfield, ' Sting'.

Fast-Fleet: 1st & 1st Formula Paul Harkness, ' Hitch Hiker'; 2 Mike Briers, 'Catch'.

Sports-Boat: 1 Mark Brammer, 'Xstatic', 2nd & 2nd WCA Colin Holden 'Pond Life'.

1st Lady Helm: Elaine Middleton, 'Miss Elainey Us'.

Most Improved Lady: Candy Horrocks, 'Jazz'.