Harken UK Soling Inlands at Kielder Water Sailing Club
by Soling UK 28 Oct 2003 16:45 GMT
October 2003
The Soling Inland Championships were held at the Kielder Water Sailing club in October 2003.
Fourteen International Solings took part, with teams from all over the UK from Fort William in the Highlands of Scotland down to Salcombe on the south coast of England. To add more of an international flavour to the event one boat made the journey from the impressive new fleet in Barry, South Wales. It was very encouraging to see new Solings arriving from emerging fleets around the UK. The resurgence of the soling throughout the UK has been despite (or maybe because of!) the loss of our Olympic Status.
The event was one of the most openly contested events of recent years with 5 different boats taking "line honours" during the 7 race series.
Saturdays sailing took part in very light winds that required the very special skills of delicate kite trimming (preferably without breathing), intense concentration, and patience! Only 4 boats were able to complete the first race within the prescribed time limit. This meant an early use of the discard for the other 10 boats.
Sunday brought more wind from the south east (over the dam) in the order of 5 – 10 knots providing some great conditions for the final 3 races.
The event was eventually won by Mike Preston, Bryan Bottomley and Ron Preston in GBR 143, this result also secured first place in the 2003 UK Soling Series.
Prizes were also awarded to Derek Priestley for leading Masters (Helm over 50), Keith Hull was awarded the Classic Yacht prize on GBR 112 and Dawn Craig for first lady. Leading Youth (Under 25) went to Jon Wilde.
Kielder Water Sailing Club members were thanked for there wonderful hospitality.
Overall Results:
1st GBR 143 Michael Preston, Bryan Bottomley and Ron Preston
2nd GBR 156 Ken Bailey, Derek Beddows and Jonathon Cunliffe
3rd GBR 155 Gary Richardson, Karl Sloane and Stuart Lee
4th GBR 164 Derek Priestley, David Geldard and Steve Baldham
5th GBR 160 Peter Hewitson, Chris Duffy and Peter Dilkes
6th GBR 161 Hamish Loudon, Baz Fountain and Mark Brammer
7th GBR 147 Paul Curtis, George Barker and Peter
8th GBR 163 Robbie Robertson, Stuart Robertson and Adrian Hope
9th GBR 112 Keith Hull, Dawn Craig and Ken Hathway
10th GBR 157 Iain Loudon, Liz Loudon and Malcolm Garrington
11th GBR 5 Hugh Davies, Mrttin Bomer and Ian Watts
12th GBR 168 Dave Wilde, Roger Eaves and Jon Wilde
13th GBR 165 John Roberts, Martin Dickens and Dave Wilde
14th GBR 162 Peter Mountain, Dave Fish and Simon Barnes