Solution Nationals at Gunfleet Sailing Club

Kevin Clark wins the Solution nationals at Gunfleet © Gunfleet SC

Fifteen boats travelled from far and wide to take part in the 3rd Solution Nationals at Gunfleet Sailing Club. Competitors were greeted with glorious sunshine and plenty of wind but the North Sea waves were daunting for some of the pond sailors.

Race 1

The first race was dominated by Kevin Clark with Gunfleet sailor Simon Clarke in hot pursuit on his home waters. New boy to the fleet, Tony King, set a theme for the weekend by finishing 3rd.

Race 2

Over the lunch break the sea conditions built leading to retirement of the committee boat. The 2nd race was started from the club line with Simon Clarke this time taking the lead. Kevin Clark managed to overtake at start of the second lap and managed to stay in front to the finish although Simon Clarke was close on his tail. Tony King once again finished 3rd.

Race 3

Race 3 was held back-to-back with race 2. Simon Clarke once again set off in front but this managed to stay there all race. Kevin Clark finished 2nd leaving it all to play for on the second day. Yet again, Tony King finished 3rd.

Race 4

Sunday dawned hot and sunny with slightly less breeze and a kinder sea. Race 4 saw the fleet beating into a strong tide to reach the windward mark. Kevin Clark and Simon Clarke took the lead in short tacking up the beach with the rest of the fleet following their example. Simon was first around the mark, closely by Tony King in the unusual position of 2nd. Kevin Clark had to settle for 3rd round the windward mark but that just put the bit between his teeth and he promptly overtook Tony and Simon to take the lead. The extra burst of speed carried on and Kevin continued to extend his lead through to the end of the race. Simon Clarke once again finished 2nd and Tony was 3rd again.

Race 5

With the championship decided, Kevin Clark retired to the shore for an early shower. A new face appeared in the top 3 with Paul Davis battling closely with Simon Clarke and Tony King. Paul managed to break away and win the last race with Simon once again the bridesmaid. Tony King, for a change, finished 3rd.

The prize-giving took place in the clubhouse after the racing with a generous selection of prizes donated by Harken UK. There was a prize for everyone and the whole fleet commented on what a great event it had been. Throughout the event, competitors heaped richly deserved praise on the members of Gunfleet Sailing Club who, from the race team and safety boat crews, to the galley staff and an army of ever cheerful helpers who spent their time neck deep in water helping launch and retrieve boats through the surf, provided an exemplary display of how to run a championship and make the visitors feel truly appreciated.

Generously, competitors were presented by the host club with a framed photo of their boat and a T Shirt carrying what proved to be the appropriate slogan 'I survived the 2009 Solution Nationals'. Conditions at sea were challenging with, at times, a force five wind against tide. The 'survivors' included pocket-sized, Wendy Pickstock who finished seventh overall but was nevertheless the last of the fleet to complete every race. Just one point ahead was Colin Newman who at 66 in 6th place was deemed old enough to get the 'Masters' title. The Solution Class Mid-Fleet trophy was won by Phil Manning who joined in the championship in a borrowed boat. Sonny Hart finished 10th and won the prize for first Junior. After sailing a consistent series to finish 5th, Kathryn Hayfield was the first Lady. The 'survivors' also included local man, Mark Venables home in 9th place but with two top five results and Jenny Jones experiencing sea sailing for the first time, finishing 11th.

A special cheer was reserved for Gunfleet stalwart Eddie White who, now well into his eighth decade of life was the oldest competitor, but never last in the races he completed. It is not the winning but the taking part that counts and from novices to champions everyone agreed what a great event it had been.

Overall Results: