Solo Open at Draycote Water Sailing Club

by Stuart Bush 12 May 2013 07:51 BST 11 May 2013

Twenty sailors entered the Solo open meeting at Draycote Water Sailing Club on Saturday 11th May. The 11 visitors and 9 home fleet sailors were met with a cool force 3 breeze that was forecast to increase during the day.

The competitors had the luxury of an Olympic course, unimpeded by other sailors. In the 1st race, Stuart Bush led round the windward mark and promptly capsized at the gybe mark, leaving Vince Horey to pull clear from the chasing pack. He extended his lead on subsequent laps while David Mitchell pulled through to 2nd place, followed by Nigel Davies in 3rd and Jon Clarke 4th.

After lunch, the second race started in similar conditions. Ian Harridge led for much of the race, with close racing in the following pack of Mitchell, Nigel Davies, Stuart Hydon and Paul Heath. Towards the end Dave Mitchell managed to pass Ian to take the win. Ian Harridge finished 2nd, Nigel Davies 3rd and Stuart Hydon 4th.

The wind increased for the start of the 3rd race and continued to build throughout accompanied by some large shifts in direction. Many sailors went for a swim whilst a number of accomplished sailors were to be seen wearing round at the gybe marks. Attrition seemed to be the best way of describing the race with only 10 finishers. Stuart Hydon finally put his stamp on a race to take the win. Nigel Davies finished 2nd, Dave Mitchell 3rd and Ian Firth 4th.

Overall meeting results were David Mitchell 1st, Stuart Hydon 2nd, Nigel Davies 3rd. Edge Sails generously donated a bottle of champagne that was awarded to 10th place sailor Peter McCrea. Full results can be seen on the NSCA website. Thanks go to Draycote Water Sailing Club for managing an excellent meeting, and to the Fireball fleet for their race management.