Solo Welsh Championship at Tata Steel Sailing Club

34 Solos entered the Insurance-4-boats sponsored Solo Welsh Championship hosted by TATA Steel Sailing Club (formerly Corus S.C.). The forecast was a bit grim with high winds from the East and rain fortunately the rain stayed away for both days and the Saturday was quite sunny. Race officer Mike Hewlins set a challenging course for the 5 race series.

Saturday

With the wind blowing force 5 gusting 6 for the three races that day, this was not for the faint hearted, there were many capsizes especially down the run which you could just make running by the lee without having to gybe.

Race 1 - David Mitchell took a convincing win and was not challenged throughout the race, he lead from start to finish, second place was Ian Harridge and third place Chris Brown.

Race 2 - There were a few less sailors coming to the start line as some of the local sailors and a couple of visitors decided there was too much wind for them. Michael Simms won this one with David Mitchell second and local sailor Ian Fox. Third.

Race 3 - 14 sailors decided not to come to the line this was now getting survival of the fittest as the wind was not easing. Previous championship winner Chris Brown got his act together and took line honours closely followed by Michael Simms and David Mitchell.

Sunday

Race 4 - Any one of three could take the title with the wind still a steady force 5 with gust now slightly more than on Saturday it was game on. Straight off the start line Michael Simms took a commanding lead and by the second mark had half a leg lead which he easily held to the finish Chris Brown come through to take second and David Mitchell third.

Race 5 - Still no let up in the wind strength it was obvious people were getting tired with some more capsizes than would normally have been expected Chris Brown needed to win this one, but Michael Simms sailed another excellent first beat to lead at the windward mark and was not threatened through the whole race, Ian Fox made the most of a mistake by Chris Brown who capsized with the line in site so Ian took second and Chris came in third.

Overall Results:

1st Michael Simms (Carsington S.C.)
2nd Chris Brown (RYA)
3rd David Mitchell (Winsford Flash S.C.)
4th Ian Fox (TATA Steel S.C.)
5th Ian Harridge (Nantwich S.C.)

Veterans
1st David Mitchell (Winsford Flash S.C.)
2nd Gareth Griffiths (Island Barn Reservoir S.C.)
3rd Steve Owen (Y Fellnheli S.C.)

Grand Master
1st Peter Mcrea (Draycote Water S.C.)
2nd Geoff Silcock (Bowmoor S.C.)
3rd Bob Taylor (TATA Steel S.C.)