Solo Open at Burwain Sailing Club

Ian Hopwood leads on the first reach during race 2 of the Burwain Solo Open © Paul Hargreaves

Ian Hopwood during the Burwain Solo Open © Paul Hargreaves

The opening event of the Solo Northern Series was held at Burwain Sailing Club on Sunday. Twenty one boats completed. The Solo fleet at Burwain has expanded over the last year with the addition of four brand new boats and several members buying second hand. This was the first competitive outing for two of the new boats.

The first race started in moderate conditions which were to the liking of Innes Armstrong in his new Winder sporting an unused Goacher sail. The maker of the sail Andy Tunnicliffe had to settle for second place as Armstrong showed good speed and consolidated his lead when he got to the front.

The wind was building by the start of race two which like race one got away first time. The race had a number of leaders but it was Andy Tunnicliffe who powered through to take the gun. Armstrong recovered to second place after being mid fleet on the first lap, setting up a last race showdown.

By the time the last race started the wind was getting pretty fierce with 30mph plus gusts recorded. The battle for overall honours was settled mid fleet as Armstrong more used to the comforts of GP14 sailing started to tire and Andy Tunnicliffe made a couple of unaccustomed mistakes and ended up swimming but stayed ahead of Armstrong to secure the win on discard. Meanwhile a group of four lead the race in a tight battle despite the extreme conditions. Ian Hopwood of Nantwich and Boarders revelled in the conditions and stayed upright in this race, having capsized whilst leading race two and spending the entire tea break between the races practising. He was however overtaken on the last reach down the lake by Philip Barnes from Budworth who held on for the race win just ahead of Stephen Graham from the home club. This gave Barnes third over the consistent Graham on count back.

Andy Tunnicliffe, winner of the Burwain Solo Open - photo © Paul Hargreaves

There are more great photos of the event to view at paulhargreavesphotography.zenfolio.com/p47725801

Overall Results: