Solo National Championships at Hayling Island Sailing Club - Day 2

Day 1 of the Solo National Championships at Hayling © John Murrell / www.fotoboat.com

Day 1 of the Solo National Championships at Hayling © John Murrell / www.fotoboat.com

Race 3

The 116 competitors awoke to a light north easterly which threatened to spoil the sea breeze. Fortunately, with temperatures soaring into the eighties the sea breeze won the battle and the fleet were greeted by a constant 8-10 knots. The first beat measured approx 0.65 of a mile, enough to spread the field and with a clean start the race was on. Stuart Godwin was on fine form and rounded first with Charlie Cumbley and Matt Howard second and third. The other main players were also close, Ross Harvey, Andy Davis and Micheal Sims showing the sort of consistency to put a championship together. The front two were able to sail their own race and it was Godwin who held his nerve to take his second bullet of the championship. Cumbley was second which strengthened his hold on the event, fitting since he was wearing the event leader yellow jersey. Ross Harvey took third from a fast finishing Sims who pipped Davis on the line. Matt Howard bagged another consistent result with a sixth.

Race 4

High drama on the sea as blood was spilled by some of the leading contenders for the title. I chose to sit at the pin end, I would like to say that my knowledge of first beat tactics led me to that end but in truth I just wanted another angle for the video. With three minutes to go the fleet were sat at the committee end and I considered opening the throttle of the rib to reach the action. Fortunately, like one of my wife's errant drives, they came towards me.

With so many over, and the line obscured at the pin end the general recall was raised. The fleet did not learn anything from that and the black flag did little to deter them either. Four were OCS including Andy Couch and Pete Mitchell. General Recall. Like moths to a light bulb they came again, ten fell this time with Ross Harvey, Ewan Birkin Walls and Brenda Hoult amongst the damned. General recall.

Eventually the race was underway under the black flag, the radio crackled with the message that four more were OCS but we did not know who.

Stuart Godwin continued his assault on the title but with an OCS already he had to keep his nose clean. Charlie Cumbley rounded second and Andy Davis third. Andy Tunnicliffe was in a strong fourth position with Howard and Sims on his heels. The real drama began when a cruiser, totally oblivious to the 116 Solos' behind him, led round the top mark and hindered the leaders down the first reach. It took some choice words and a rib to persuade the captain to alter course.

Cumbley broke through Godwin and looked good to consolidate his title chances but was greeted by silence as he crossed the line. Godwin looked to consolidate his title chances but was greeted by silence as he crossed the line. Davis looked good to consolidate his pos...you get the drift, he was OCS. Andy Tunnicliffe had kept himself out of trouble and took the win from Matt Howard and Micheal Sims. Geoff Carveth had plugged away and recorded a fourth with Tim Law fifth.

So, with a discard coming into play it is Charlie Cumbley who leads overnight.

There will be much soul searching and beer consumed before tomorrow.

Results after Day 2: (top twenty, 4 races, 1 discard)

Full results so far can be found here.

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Additional sponsorship from Optimum Time, LDC Sailing and P&B
The N.S.C.A is supported by Noble Marine