Solo Open at Seafarers Sailing Club
by Richard Banks 16 Aug 2011 03:03 NZST
14 August 2011
There was some testing sailing on the Solent at Seafarers SC, part of the class’ sea series. The first race set off in a moderate breeze combined with a lumpy sea. Almost immediately the 16 Solos split into two equal groups with each favouring its side of the beat. On the reaches some fast planing down sizeable waves resulted in little separation at the leeward mark. However, on the next beat Videlo and Loy began to stretch their lead. With the wind rising the battle between the first eight was closely fought but ultimately it was Videlo who triumphed.
Over the lunch break the wind, stiffened by sea breeze, reached top F6 gusting F7. Only eleven boats set off in the second race. All made it up the beat and, with much spray flying, hurled themselves out to the wing mark where many decided on discretion and wore round. More discretion followed with five boats retiring before the end of the race, leaving Loy and Waite to lead home the remainder.
Five Solos attempted the last race and, with only four finishing, it was again Loy that showed his expertise closely followed by Collins and Boyce.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Helm | Sail No | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | Will Loy | 4670 (18) | RYA | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | Keith Videlo | 4369 | Frensham Pond SC | 1 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| 3 | Ray Collins | 5073 | Locks SC | 3 | 4 | 2 | 5 |
| 4 | Stephen Waite | 4862 | Highcliffe SC | 4 | 2 | DNS | 6 |
| 5 | Andrew Boyce | 5115 | Papercourt SC | 8 | 6 | 3 | 9 |