Solo Western Series Event at Frampton-on-Severn Sailing Club
by Ken Elsey 4 Sep 2006 16:24 BST
3 September 2006
Chris Brown wins this Solo Open Meeting © Phil Kirk
What a contrast to the drifter last year! The forecast of strong gusty winds reduced the numbers attending to 11. The participants and spectators were entertained by the spectacular planes and capsizes, particularly on the run down to the green buoy, where the south west wind funnels down the gap to add zest to gybe one has to make at some stage.
The first race saw 11 starters, with Chris Brown establishing a lead from the first mark. The places behind were changing rapidly as Solos capsized, got stuck in irons, or decided to view the lakeside trees at first hand. At the finish Chris maintained his lead with Clive Evans of Reading SC in 2nd place and Ken Elsey of the home club in 3rd place. Race 2 was back-to-back with minor buoy changes to take in account the shifted wind direction. 8 boats started the 2nd race. Again Chris Brown took the lead, with Andy Miles in 2nd place, but an indiscretion at the penultimate mark led Andy to be disqualified, moving Clive Evans into 2nd place and Mike Hobin of Oxford SC into 3rd place.
Then there were 6 for the 3rd race. The race strung out with Mike Hobin in 2nd place and Colin Newton of Staunton Harold SC in 3rd place. Then there were 5 for the last race. Chris could have retired in the knowledge that he had already won, but was enjoying the exciting planes so much, that he decided to sail the last race with the inevitable result; though he was pushed a little harder in this race by Mike Hobin in 2nd place and Colin Newton in 3rd place.
Chris was so exhausted after the race that he had to sit down to gather strength, before he and the other sailors tucked in to the sandwich and cake tea.
Overall Results:
1st, 4727, Chris Brown (RYA) 3pts
2nd, 4649, Mike Hobin (Oxford SC) 7pts
3rd, 4703, Clive Evans (Reading SC) 8pts
4th, 4336, Colin Newton (Staunton Harold SC) 11pts
5th, 4619, Ken Elsey (Frampton on Severn SC) 13pts