The racing took place in a quite light wind, fairly constantly from the south, which was helpful for those unfamiliar with the wind vagaries of river sailing. In the first two races, Ultimate Zephyr (374), sailed by Ian Burnett and Anne Bayne, managed (against recent form!) to open out significant leads over the rest of the fleet to finish first. However, within the fleet, visitor Sea Fire (CH7), sailed by David Edmund-Jones and Andrew Young, was putting in a good performance in the Penultimates.

In the third race, Rhapsody (375), sailed by Jeremy and Max Vines, took an early lead with Zephyr and Antedote (348), sailed by Jessica Berney, Kaan Yargici and Kim Waterfield, snapping at her heels right to the end.  Rhapsody prevailed as all three boats crossed the line in very close order. Further back, Sea Fire and two other Penultimates, Trojan (334) sailed by Peter Simpson and Mike Adams and Ocatillo (316), sailed by Charles Fox and Ted Neal, were also having their own very tight battle, all crossing the line within 52 seconds, with Sea Fire just two seconds ahead of Ocatillo.

The Handicap Cup result was determined by an exciting RYA/IYRU tie-break, with Zephyr edging it over Sea Fire. All told, this was probably the closest inland championship for some years.