Guildford Marine Solo Open at Papercourt Sailing Club

Guildford Marine Solo open at Papercourt © Chris Alderman

Roger Puttock wins the Guildford Marine Solo open at Papercourt © Chris Alderman

The Guildford Marine sponsored Solo Open at Papercourt S.C. was held on Sunday 16 September with a near record turn out of 37 Solo's of which 13 had travelled.

With a Force 2-3 forecast and warm weather it made a nice change from the last two years drifters. The day started with the obligatory tea and bacon buttes before getting started with the first race.

The line was tight and of course some did not squeeze in on the pin end where they hoped to. The left hand side seemed to pay as the wind was coming slightly across the lake but it was a tight battle to get to the windward mark first. A short dog leg took the sailors across the lake to set up a tactical run down to the leeward mark. Andrew Boyce was the leading Papercourt boat fighting with Gareth Griffiths from Island barn to chase down Richard Willetts from Burghfield SC through to the end.

The second race saw a touch more wind, which might explain a certain experienced sailor to take a swim (AKA M. Ball), before Roger Puttock from Papercourt decided to gain composure and sail fast like we all know he can. He took the bullet with Andrew close behind him.

A great lunch provided by Penny for a quick replenishment before battle commenced for another 2 races back to back.

A slightly longer line helped those struggling with the large fleet to gain some position and keep the mid fleet battle raging. Simon Hamment had swapped his usual Laser to race his older Solo (but sporting a lovely sail!) and in race 3 was holding a very credible 10 position until gear failure ended his days racing. Meanwhile Mike Ball showed his class taking race 3.

This meant we started the last race with 4 potential Open winners - Puttock, Willetts, Ball or Griffiths! The early leader and holding the lead to the end was Peter Curl from Chipstead. Not far behind him was Roger and Andrew fighting each other for every shift and tack for the whole race - it seemed the winner of this one on one battle would take the honours. The battle may have been closer if Richard had not returned at the start thinking he was OCS! Roger held on to second place and therefore the Open title with 5 points.

Thanks to all for making this great day happen and especially to our sponsor Guildford Marine for providing such generous prizes.

Overall Results: