Guildford Marine Solo open meeting at Papercourt Sailing Club

by Paul Robinson 18 Sep 2013 20:33 BST 15 September 2013

Solo open at Papercourt sponsored by Guildford Marine © David Mayne

25 Solos (including 9 visitors) gathered at Papercourt for their Guildford Marine sponsored Solo Open; the penultimate round of the 2013 Thames Valley & Southern Travellers Series. Forecast for the day were average wind speeds of 20mph and gusts of twice this. Papercourt welcomed competitors with its renowned hospitality, kicking off with pre-briefing all inclusive tea and bacon rolls.

Race one conditions were in the region of 10 to 15mph. Andrew Boyce of the home club rounded first at the windward mark, hotly pursued by a tight fleet. At the finish Boyce took the honours, with Steve Jones (Wraysbury) 2nd, and Paul Robinson (Datchet but ex-Papercourt & sailing his father's boat) taking 3rd. Boyce had peaked too soon though, as despite good speed, a series of capsizes in subsequent races ended his chances of silverware.

Race two was sailed in similar conditions. This time local stars Russel Hayden (ex-Scorpion helm) and Rob Hardwick (Laser sailor) joined another closely fought contest with Robinson, James Ross (Hamble River) and Patrick Fell (Papercourt). Over the line it was Robinson who took the gun, followed by Ross, then Hayden.

Race three followed a super lunch and was sailed in stronger 15 to 20mph winds with shifty gusts. Russel Hayden, Ross and Robinson were again in the mix, but this time led away by Hayden's multi-talented brother Fraser (ex-Scorpion crew to Russel & ex-Laser 4000 crew to Robinson). Fraser built a strong lead, cut to just a couple of seconds at the line, but took 1st from Robinson, with Russel Hayden again 3rd.

Race four conditions stayed similar, and Fraser Hayden stayed in the groove, taking an early lead and breaking from the pack. In the mix this time were James Ross, Steve Jones, and Will Loy (RYA). There were some entertaining capsizes throughout the fleet, but Fraser Hayden won in convincing style, followed by Robinson, then Ross. Once back ashore the competitors were greeted with tea and homemade cakes.

Guildford Marine were generous with prizes and this was a well-hosted event.

Overall Results:

Position	Sail No	Name	Club	R1	R2	R3	R4	Pts
1	4973	Paul Robinson	Datchet	3	1	2	2	5
2	5202	Fraser Hayden	Papercourt	7	5	1	1	7
3	5281	James Ross	Hamble River	9	2	4	3	9
4	4741	Steve Jones	Wraysbury	2	7	5	4	11
5	4967	Patrick Fell	Papercourt	10	4	9	5	18
6	5063	Russel Hayden	Papercourt	12	3	3	13	18
7	4272	Rob Hardwick	Papercourt	6	9	18	7	22
8	4874	Jonathan Farnell	Papercourt	4	10	8	10	22
9	1102	Will Loy	RYA	8	14	10	6	24
10	5115	Andrew Boyce	Papercourt	1	12	12	RTD	25
11	4904	Terry Palmer	Upper Thames	14	8	7	11	26
12	4669	Tim Jackson	Papercourt	15	11	6	12	29
13	5026	Jason Aldous	Papercourt	16	6	11	DNS	33
14	5230	M Healy	Chipstead	13	15	20	8	36
15	3969	David Saunders	Papercourt	11	13	13	DNS	37
16	4454	Giles Maltby	Papercourt	17	16	14	9	39
17	4928	Rob Trend	Chipstead	18	18	15	14	47
18	4818	John Hawes	Papercourt	22	20	16	16	52
19	3775	Bill Goodman	Papercourt	19	19	19	15	53
20	4551	Bill Hutchings	Tonbridge	21	21	17	RTD	59
21	5187	Julian Rickards	Littleton	5	DNS	DNS	DNS	59
22	5085	John Baple	Papercourt	20	17	DNS	DNS	64
23	5283	David Baple	Papercourt	23	DNS	DNS	DNS	77
24	4840	Bill Stock	Papercourt	RTD	DNS	DNS	DNS	80
25	5305	Mike Murphy	Papercourt	DNS	DNS	DNS	DNS	81