Solo Open at Frensham Pond Sailing Club

A forest fire tears through Frensham Common during the Frensham Solo open © Jeff Dolton

Solos at Frensham © Mark Hammond

The 31st Solo Open at Frensham Pond was raced in near perfect conditions and with a dramatic background of a forest fire that tore through Frensham Common.

The lure of the British Grand Prix and the World Cup Football final may have kept many away but there were still 18 racers, half of whom were visitors.

The day started with a little drizzle but by race time the sun was shining and the wind was blowing a good F3 but without the stronger gusts that so characterises Frensham.

Race Officer, Tim Hemsley, the recent winner of the Round The Island Race, patiently set a course that gave a long beat from the far shore to the clubhouse. From the start of the first race, home sailor, and current holder of the Solo Open Trophy, Keith Videlo, opened up a good lead and although he was later challenged by Lee Sydenham, of Chichester Yacht Club, held on to win from Lee followed by Patrick Fell of Papercourt.

There was a short break for lunch and then Keith repeated his victory, over a similar course, in the second race. Lee was again second and Barry Wicks of Maidenhead, third. With just three races in this Open Meeting and with two to count, Keith won the trophy for the third time in four years.

During the start of this race a small pall of black smoke rose from the common behind the beach, this quickly turned into much denser cloud and flames could be seen licking the trees. Fortunately the wind direction kept the smoke away from the racers as scores of fire units and police converged on the area. Five hours later the heathland was still burning.

With the trophy already won, the third race was a pleasant yacht for many, although the wind had reduced slightly. Lee Sydenham came in first, Barry Wicks was second and Patrick Fell was third.

Afterwards, during tea, the Frensham Pond Commodore, Judith Young, thanked all those who had contributed towards the day's success and presented the prizes.

Overall Results: