The National Solo Nations Cup 2014 at Riva Del Garda - Overall

Race 7

After a number of general recalls the fleet were finally away under the dreaded black flag. The start line had been moved to allow a slight starboard bias and Andy Couch and Charlie Cumbley were nearest to the committee boat at the gun. Cumbley was leeward of Couch and forced him to tack out to the right and then put a tack in to cover but to no avail. Couch seemed to have speed to burn upwind and rounded in the lead.

The 10 knot 'Pela' was holding firm and the broad reach towards the cliffs was a tense leg as a group including Sims, Cumbley, Brown and Tunnicliffe all had to go high to stay in clear air. Couch took the opportunity to sink low and maintained his lead at the leeward mark. Cumbley moved into second, Sims and Tunnicliffe traded places and Brown held fifth as the influence from the oncoming 'Ora' quelled the Northerly morning breeze.

At the gun it was Couch who covered Cumbley to secure a vital point lead going into the last race. Tunnicliffe, Sims and Brown were third, fourth and fifth but the luckless Brown was recorded OCS and so Pete Mitchell claimed that prize. Mark Lee and Steve Owen were also amongst the damned.

So, as the heat rose and the 'Pela' died the fleet were sent ashore with the intention to return later if the 'Ora' built as is the norm here.

So, after 7 races it is Andy Couch who leads the Nation's Cup by 1 point from Charlie Cumbley. Only 1 further race is scheduled meaning only 1 discard. With both sailors sharing the same discard (3) will Andy match race Charlie down the fleet and secure this prestigious title. Michael Sims is a further 12 points behind and he will have his own personal fight with Andy Tunnicliffe who is just 2 points behind him. Pete Mitchell needs a bullet with both sailors to slip up which is unlightly as their last four races have been 4-4-4-4, 3-3-3-3 respectively.

I have had many sailors come up to me and commiserate that I chose to follow these last few races from the race boat rather than sail but the honest truth is that I feel like a parent watching their children at a local football match. My heart pounds as the one minute gun fires and I subconsciously duck as the leaders tack and gybe on the course. The breathtaking Italian scenery lends itself perfectly to this thrilling finale...the 'Ora' is building, the players take the stage and the curtain is raised.

Race 8

The 'Ora' has arrived by 12.pm and the fleet resume battle.

Ok, with one minute to go Couch is pursuing Cumbley at the committee end, the constant weaving between parked head to wind Solos' a welcome obstacle for Cumbley to try and slip the trap. The two come close but Cumbley is able to find a slot slightly further up the line but with little forward momentum.

The fleet set off for the cliffs and once again Couch is able to find speed and height to round ahead of Chris Brown and Pete Mitchell. Peerke Peerke Kortekaas is also in the mix and Cumbley has work to do in sixth. Both Mitchell and Brown pass Couch down the second reach as the wind reduces, Couch also has one eye on Cumbley and seems happy to loose cover. Up the second beat Couch drops low to really effect the Cumbley charge and after some clearing tacks the two are dropping down the order.

Pete Mitchell is revelling in the conditions and pulls further ahead with Brown, Kortekaas and Dave Mitchell in pursuit. Sims is covering Tunnicliffe and Cumbley has gone hard right to try and find a miracle.

Unfortunately the 'Ora' is not known for its fickle choice of direction and stays true to the end. At the gun it is Pete Mitchell from Brown, Kortekaas, Dave Mitchell, Sims, Tunnicliffe, Couch, Law, MacCarthy and Cumbley.

So, It is Andy Couch who wins the National Solo Nation's Cup 2014 with scores of 1-3-3-2-1-1-1-(7) from Charlie Cumbley 3-1-2-1-2-2-2-(10) in 2nd.

Michael Sims takes 3rd ahead of Andy Tunnicliffe and Pete Mitchell. Chris Brown, Tim Law and Dave Mitchell are next and Ian Houston and Ian Hopwood complete the top ten. Shane MacCarthy (IRL) is12th and Gerard Post (NED) is 14th. Claar van der Does is first lady in 25th.

It has been a truly fantastic championship, the Italian race management was relaxed but precise, the facilities were very well run, the Dutch were friendly on and off the water, North Sails kindly sponsored the event and Rooster sails donated a thermal top that was presented to Eddy Boon (NED) who had done much of the behind the scenes organisation.

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www.solosailing.org.uk