Rooster Midland Solo Series at Midland Sailing Club

Midland SC were delighted to welcome a hot 24 boat fleet to this round of the Rooster Midland Circuit, this event also benefiting from sponsorship courtesy of Carousel Marketing who kindly fed all competitors all day.

The first race got underway at the first attempt in an oscillating WSW. Andy Davis, Stuart Hydon and Oli Wells were all there or thereabouts at the first mark, but it was Stuart who emerged on top in what turned out to be a bit of a procession following an unforecast and stubborn wind shift to the south. Oli Wells came in second with Andy Davis in third.

Following lunch the second race also got underway at the first attempt. The breeze was still somewhat shifty and unpredictable, and the fleet was led around the windward by veteran Bob Suggit, who was nowhere near as surprised as Adam Maclean from the home club who rounded third! Unfortunately for Adam the race was longer than the first beat and unfortunately for Bob, Andy Davis had been consulting the Ladybird Book of Pond Sailing over lunch and he eventually wore Bob down halfway up the final beat to take his first bullet after a cracking race between the two. Richard Adams for the home club made up the podium spots.

The start of race three ended up as a bit of a nightmare for all concerned. On the first attempt the switch on the electric horn decided to disintegrate on the four minute signal leading to a slightly creatively signalled postponement. On the second attempt a swing to the right led to significant port bias and a general recall. Third time proved to be lucky for everyone except Stuart Hydon who was called over and had to return. Andy Davis had the bit between his teeth this time and did what by Solo standards was something of a horizon job. The battle for second however was rather closely fought with Richard Adams, Bob Suggit and Stuart Hydon - who had recovered well from his poor start - battling all the way round. Richard Adams took the second place with Stuart Hydon in third.

Andy Davis from Blithfield SC therefore took the meeting with two wins. Richard Adam's second place in the last race was not enough to wrest second overall from Stuart Hydon who beat Richard by one point.

Thanks to all the competitors for coming, the race team and the galley/bar staff for looking after everyone. We hope to see everyone again next year.