Solo Open at Broadwater Sailing Club

Solos at Broadwater © Catherine Turner

Solos at Broadwater © Catherine Turner

Twenty four Solos competed for the honour of winning the Broadwater Chessboard at the club's annual Solo Open meeting.

A sunny warm spring day with little wind, so it was pleasing to see nineteen visitors from ten different clubs, some as far afield as Devon, Colchester and Tonbridge, joining the local sailors.

Race 1

The first race saw a split in the fleet on the start line following a wind direction change following the five minute gun. The four boats starting at the pin end took an early advantage which lasted throughout the race. After a clean start, the early lead was closely contested between Vince Horey 5280 / Steve Ede 5225 / Jonathan Farnell 4874 / David Walford 5052. During the first lap the lead changed between Ede / Horey with Ede retaining the lead thereafter to take line honours ahead of Horey 2nd and Walford 3rd.

Race 2

After a superb Broadwater lunch the fleet took to the water for their second race. The wind from the first race having lessened further which did prove challenging for the whole fleet. Ede led from the start followed by Horey, Godfrey Clark 4803 and Walford. These four boats having broken away from the rest of the fleet after rounding the windward mark. During the race the wind did die completely with the leading boats finishing in an unchanged position from above following the shorten course gun.

Race 3

Unfortunately abandoned due to the lack of wind. A decision being welcomed by the whole fleet !! Overall Steve won the event with two race wins. Vince again in second for a third consecutive year! and Godfrey in third place. At the end of the day, prizes were presented by the club's Commodore, Catharine Turner. Steve thanked the club for their hospitality, mentioning particularly the hardworking volunteers in the galley.

Overall Results: