Solo Open at Banbury Sailing Club
by Helen Banning 26 Apr 2010 07:57 BST
24 April 2010
Solos at Banbury © George Scott
Twenty-one boats took to the water at Banbury S.C. on 24th April and were rewarded by glorious spring weather and competitive racing throughout the fleet. The light south easterly breeze filled in during the day to give a good force 2-3 which allowed full use to be made of Banbury’s delightful water.
The first race saw Stuart Haydon take a convincing lead from the start. Throughout the remainder of the fleet, wind shifts meant that there was much changing of position and all to play for during the entire race. Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable time.
After a break for a substantial hot lunch for which Banbury is renown, the fleet took to the water again. The breeze picked up and a change of course produced another exciting race. At the front Neil Wilkinson fought with Stuart Haydon for first place, leading for most of the time with Stuart close behind. Stuart however pulled ahead on the penultimate mark to take first place and the meeting overall. There were plenty of other battles further down the fleet and even a few capsizes.
Such was the quality of the day that almost everyone took part in the third and last race.
Many thanks to everyone who made the day possible, both the competitors and the Banbury helpers. It says much for the solo sailors that everyone at Banbury always enjoys helping with the open meeting and I never have difficulty finding volunteers.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Helm | Sail No | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | Stuart Hydon | 4991 | Shustoke | 1 | 1 | DNS | 2 |
| 2 | Neil Wilkinson | 4628 | Shustoke | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 3 | Richard Willetts | 5017 | Burghfield | 6 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| 4 | Keith Lancaster | 4878 | Rugby & Daventry | 5 | 5 | 3 | 8 |
| 5 | Andrew Liddington | 4771 | Rugby & Daventry | 3 | 7 | 6 | 9 |