Solo Midland Travellers' Series at Staunton Harold Sailing Club
by Nick Threadgill 21 Oct 2014 10:12 BST
18 October 2014
Seven visitors joined seven home boats for a fantastic day's sailing in some challenging and rewarding conditions for the final round of the 2014 Solo Midlands Travellers Series which was held at Staunton Harold Sailing Club on 18th October.
In the first race in the morning Jonathan Swain (5559) was the first around the windward mark only to lose a few places with an error of course on the downwind section. The lead was taken by Andrew Wilde (5492) who went on to win the race despite a bit of a moment on the last downwind leg. Ian Hopwood (5480) came in second with Nigel Davies (5478) third.
After a hearty lunch the fleet set out for two more races sailed back to back. Andrew Wilde went off well from the start in the second race, but a capsize on the beat let Jonathan Swain through. Jonathan went on to win the race, with Nigel Davies coming in second and Andrew Wilde third.
It was all to play for in the third race. There was a great tussle for the lead between Ian Hopwood and Jonathan Swain. A win would give either one the overall title. Ian led for most of the race but was overtaken on the last lap with Jonathan coming through to win with Ian a close second and Andrew Wilde third.
So, with two wins and a great display of sailing skill, Jonathan Swain from Carsington took the title. Second overall was Andrew Wilde, also from Carsington, with Ian Hopwood from Nantwich & Borders in third.
At the presentation the SHSC Solo Fleet Captain Nick Threadgill thanked the OOD Simon Kelsall and his race team and the Laser fleet who had manned the galley and had provided excellent hot breakfasts and lunches. Prizes were presented to the top three competitors with an additional prize to Tim Gray as first Staunton Harold boat. Stuart Bush completed the presentation with the announcement of the final results of the 2014 Midlands Travellers series.
Overall Results:
| Position | Sail No | Helm | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | Pts |
|---|
| 1st | 5559 | Jonathan Swain | Carsington | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2nd | 5492 | Andrew Wilde | Carsington | 1 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| 3rd | 5480 | Ian Hopwood | Nantwich | 2 | 6 | 2 | 4 |
| 4th | 5478 | Nigel Davies | Draycote | 3 | 2 | 5 | 5 |
| 5th | 5176 | Jonathon Woodward | South Staffs | 5 | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| 6th | 5443 | Tim Gray | Staunton Harold | 7 | 4 | 7 | 11 |
| 7th | 4727 | Javier Porto | Staunton Harold | DNF | 8 | 6 | 14 |
| 8th | 4548 | Clive Gimson | Notts County | DNF | 7 | 8 | 15 |
| 9th | 5246 | Nigel Pepperdine | Staunton Harold | 8 | 10 | DNC | 18 |
| 10th | 4325 | Phill Honnor | Staunton Harold | 9 | 9 | DNC | 18 |
| 11th | 5191 | Stuart Bush | Shustoke | 4 | DNC | DNC | 19 |
| 12th | 5003 | Sam Smith | Staunton Harold | DNF | 11 | 9 | 20 |
| 13th | 5298 | Sue McCrea | Staunton Harold | 10 | 12 | 10 | 20 |
| 14th | 4567 | Nick Threadgill | Staunton Harold | DNF | DNC | DNC | 30 |