Solo Welsh Championships at Corus Sailing Club Margam
by Bob Taylor 3 May 2010 22:24 BST
1-2 May 2010
Sponsored by Insurance-4-boats
Forty-three Solos attended the Welsh Championship held at Corus Sailing Club (Margam) on May 1st and 2nd 2010. Visitors were greeted to a light westerly breeze which caused a short postponement before racing commenced. Race officer Mike Hewlins set a reverse ‘P’ course for the 5 race 4 to count series.
Race 1
Chris Goldhawk anticipated the big shift from the left better than most. Chris lead from start to finish with a commanding lead which was not challenged Pete Mitchell came in second and Stephen Denison third.
Race 2
Previous, three times winner Andy Davis shot out from the pack judged the wind shifts best and like Goldhawk in the first race lead from start to finish, Nigel Davis coming in second and regular attendee and twice winner of this event Chris Brown third.
Race 3
Andy Davis again led for the start of the race but could not shake off the close attention of Goldhawk and Denison. Just when it looked like Davis was going to take his second win Denison passed him off wind on the short run to take his first win at Corus, Second was Davis and third Goldhawk.
Race 4
An early start on Sunday saw the wind coming from the mountains north east never a good sign with it blowing force 4 gusting force 6.and some big unmistakeable shifts. Local sailor Cliff Crawshaw led for a time before Andy Davis got by him and opened a commanding lead while Dave Mitchell also got through Crawshaw. Final positions first Davis, second Mitchell, and third Crawshaw.
Race 5
With the wind still blowing as race 4 only 27 competitors started. Mark Lee hit the right side of the beat to lead at the windward mark by 100metres then there was a pack all vying for second, Andy Davis broke clear from the pack and proceeded to try and close Lee down, the challenge was just a little too much as Lee took line honours by inches from Davis with Goldhawk coming through the pack for third place
Overall Results:
1st Andy Davis (Chase S.C.)
2nd Chris Goldhawk (Chew Valley S.C.)
3rd Stephen Denison (Hollingworth Lake S.C.)
4th Daniel Goodman (Littleton S.C.)
5th David Mitchell (RYA)
1st Veteran, David Mitchell
1st Grand Master, Bob Taylor