By Jonathan Leask  March 15 2010

Lake Hood was a sea of sails over the weekend.

The lake hosted a sailing regatta where 18 Firebugs contested 10 races over the weekend, and 13 Zephyrs made the trip down for a few races on the Saturday as well.

Local sailor Jesse Woods took out the junior section with his brother James coming in fifth and Caitlin Swan also finished in the top 10.

The rest of the competitors were from the Christchurch clubs, apart from the youngest competitor who travelled from Dunedin to compete.

The Saturday racing was met with a disturbed southwesterly flow which saw the final race of the day raced in the opposite direction from the opening race of the day. Yesterday's racing was met with more consistent winds that allowed for three straight races.

The sailors all enjoyed the regatta and the lake itself has been praised as an excellent venue.

"It's exceptional venue for racing and spectators.

"You can have all your friends and family on the lakeside and they get a great view and you can even talk to them from out on the lake," Canterbury Sailing's Simon Rutherford said.

It will certainly not be the last time the boats are seen out on the lake with the Firebugs keen to make it an annual event and possibly even hold more than one a season.

Also this week children from schools around the district will get the opportunity to be at the helm through the schools sailing programme.

Pictured: Wind-filled sails of the Firebugs out racing on Lake Hood over the weekend. - Photo Sarah Chamberlain 130310-SC-042