Solo Open at Maidenhead Sailing Club

Solos at Maidenhead © Jenni Heward-Craig

Solos at Maidenhead © Jenni Heward-Craig

Conditions at Maidenhead Sailing Club's Solo Open on Sunday, April 19, could not have been more different from the previous week's Albacore Open. No sunshine, no stiffening breeze; the gentle northerly wind and overcast skies meant the competing sailors had to use all their skills to keep awake. It was even possible to drink a cuppa while sailing, such was the wind's lack of bite.

Eight sailors, from as far away as Girton and as close as Upper Thames, joined ten sailors from Maidenhead: some for their first Open in a Solo, some getting back into competing after a long rest away from the water.

The first race began cleanly, with the sailors soon becoming a procession across the water, with the lead boat ahead of the next two, and the rest spread out behind them, and a group of four bringing up the rear. The racing for minor positions was tight, but Steve Ede (5225) was first, with Mike Dray (4932) second and Godfrey Clark (5540) third.

A general recall and a capsized boat right on the line made the start of the second race an exercise in sailing skill. Steve took the lead again quickly, making the most of the light conditions, and was never headed. Andrew Boyce (5115) and Alan Bishop (5497) following close behind. Brian Jones (4684) battled hard for fourth, but was just beaten by Godfrey.

A change in wind direction and speed saw the movement of buoys in the last race. At one point, the wind dropped, leaving the run from the top of the lake down to the Rotary mark more of a walk, while speed picked up again on the reach. The changed conditions made for closer racing, with Alan leading at the first mark from Andrew, Barry Wicks (4618), and Steve. After some toing and froing between the lead boats, which saw Andrew drop back to seventh, the winner of the last race was Alan. Second was Steve, and Barry finished as Maidenhead's highest finisher of the day with his third place.

While the winner of the Open was never in doubt – Steve Ede taking it comfortably with his two firsts – the minor placings were sorted by the last race, with Alan Bishop second, and Godfrey Clark third. Highest placed of the Maidenhead sailors was Barry Wicks at sixth, with his third in the last race putting him just of Brian Jones.

Solos at Maidenhead winners (l to r) Alan Bishop (2nd), Steve Ede (1st), Godfrey Clark (3rd) - photo © Jenni Heward-Craig

Special mention must go to Joanne Barnes (2959) – competing in only her second Open, and the only female. Well done.

Overall Results: