Solo Nationals at East Lothian Yacht Club - Day 1
by Mike Ball 3 Aug 2009 11:10 BST
31 July - 7 August 2009
Day 1 at the Solo National Championships and Nations Cup © Alan Henderson /
www.fotoboat.com
Solo National Championships and Nations Cup sponsored by Winder Boats, Allen Brothers Ltd and North Sails
70 entrants were greeted to glorious sunshine and a Force 5 gusting 7 on the harbour wall. Race Officer Bill Roberts wisely decided to postpone the start for 2 hours, allowing racing to go ahead in a reduced Force 4 gusting 5.
Race 1 - City of Plymouth Trophy
A port biased line, with a desire by the fleet to be out of the tide, led to 4 general recalls under the black flag, before the race finally got under way. Charlie Cumberley (Teign Corinthian SC) took and early lead which he held to the end, however places behind him were hotly contested with finally Robbie Wilson (Wormit SC) taking 2nd and Steve Cockerill (Stokes Bay SC) 3rd.
Race 2 - Jack Holt Trophy
A change of course from Trapezoid to Olympic caught some competitors by surprise, missing the windward spreader mark. A longer run was also made more exciting by a slight increase in wind strength.
Andy Davies (Chase SC) took an early lead however in taking a flier on the second beat, went out to the right, allowing Jim Hunt (Sutton SC) through to take the lead, which he held to the finish. Andy held on to take 2nd place from Charlie Cumberly who finished 3rd after overhauling several boats.
After two Races the top overall positions are:
1st Charlie Cumberly
2nd Jim Hunt
3rd Andy Davies
4th Steve Cockerill
5th Alister Morley
6th Kevan Gibb
7th Lee Sydenham
8th Simon Hoult
9th Andrew Bonsey
10th Ian Pinnell
Our thanks to Fotoboat who are covering the event.