Harken National Solo Inland Championship at Grafham Water - Preview

Solo Inland Championships 2014 at Rutland © Will Loy

This weekend marks the return of the National Solo fleet to Grafham Water for the Harken 2015 Inland Championship, incorporating the North Sails Super Series Act 9. The venue was a regular destination for this prestigious event in the eighties but, following a misunderstanding of the club bar opening hours, the fleet were quite rightly banned! Many years later and with the sailors older, wiser and unable to hold their liquor, we return.

The track

Graham Water is situated near the village of Perry in central England, about three miles from the A1/A14 junction, between Bedford, Northampton, Cambridge and Peterborough and about 60 miles north of London. At 1,600 acres, the reservoir, 3 miles long and, at its maximum, 1.5 miles wide is renowned as one of the best inland sailing venues in the UK. There is a 9 mile cycle track around the lake and a nature reserve at its west end.

The format

Two action packed days of racing preceded by the NSCA training day on Friday which is free to members and run by our own team of highly skilled coaches. There are already 32 competitors signed on for the coaching and they will be putting their new skills to the ultimate test on Saturday!

The championship consists of 6 races, 3 per day and run back to back with the first warning signal at 12.55pm Saturday and 10.25am Sunday.

The entry fee

Set at £30 per boat and you need to be an NSCA member (you can join on the day), and you are required to produce your measurement certificate (yep, it is serious stuff). That said, on and off the water the Solo fleet are a friendly bunch, there is free exchange of information on tuning and many kind remarks on each others sailing prowess. True, there are the guys who are or work for sailmakers, boat builders, mast and foil suppliers and they are there to prove a point but the majority are old school class members who just like to meet up with old friends, enjoy the adrenaline filled moments of BIG fleet racing, and beat their nearest rivals. It is a fantastic class with the opportunity to mix it with some of the top UK dinghy sailors, no matter your age.

Who will be there?

Easier to say who is not. Charlie Cumbley, the reigning National Champion will be missing but that is the only notable exception. So, with a healthy forecast, a big pre-entry of trainees and only one serious contender missing, we look set for some big fleet racing and an exciting and dramatic Championship.

Contenders Ready!

Mike Sims has form, Andy Davis will be using his 'Prodder", Andy Tunnicliffe has a new boat as does Dave Walford the NSCA treasurer (note to self, be treasurer next time). In fighting between Mike Wilkie and old friend John Dixon should be interesting. Jon Clarke (Edge Sails) is making a rare appearance and Chris Brown will be one to watch.

My surprise top five are: Chris Brown, Andy Davis, Mike Sims, Andy Tunnicliffe, Pete Mitchell.

My worry is that Chris leads overnight and has to wear the Rooster sponsored 'Event Leader' race bib on day two. Fortunately, the incredible stretching qualities of the material used by Rooster will no doubt be equal to the task.

The sponsors

Harken are very kindly sponsoring this event and providing some fabulous prizes so many thanks in advance. Harken make excellent hardware and are known World wide as the leading brand in dinghy and yachting equipment.

Noble marine continue to support the N.S.C.A. and the Class are proud to be under your wing for dinghy insurance.

Not just about winning

The event also forms part of the North Sails Super Series and with only two events remaining I expect a late rush of qualifiers here and at the last event at Oxford (EOS). Look out for an update following this event. Sponsors include, North Sails, Winder Boats, Superstar, Ronstan, Creation Covers, C2 Marine, Rooster Sails, Milanes Foils and Noble Marine.

Do not forget, to be in with a chance to win one of the prizes on offer you just need to have done 4 qualifying events and be at the End Of Season event at Oxford on October 24.