Guildford Marine Solo open meeting at Papercourt Sailing Club
by Paul Robinson 18 Sep 2013 20:33 BST
15 September 2013
25 Solos (including 9 visitors) gathered at Papercourt for their Guildford Marine sponsored Solo Open; the penultimate round of the 2013 Thames Valley & Southern Travellers Series. Forecast for the day were average wind speeds of 20mph and gusts of twice this. Papercourt welcomed competitors with its renowned hospitality, kicking off with pre-briefing all inclusive tea and bacon rolls.
Race one conditions were in the region of 10 to 15mph. Andrew Boyce of the home club rounded first at the windward mark, hotly pursued by a tight fleet. At the finish Boyce took the honours, with Steve Jones (Wraysbury) 2nd, and Paul Robinson (Datchet but ex-Papercourt & sailing his father's boat) taking 3rd. Boyce had peaked too soon though, as despite good speed, a series of capsizes in subsequent races ended his chances of silverware.
Race two was sailed in similar conditions. This time local stars Russel Hayden (ex-Scorpion helm) and Rob Hardwick (Laser sailor) joined another closely fought contest with Robinson, James Ross (Hamble River) and Patrick Fell (Papercourt). Over the line it was Robinson who took the gun, followed by Ross, then Hayden.
Race three followed a super lunch and was sailed in stronger 15 to 20mph winds with shifty gusts. Russel Hayden, Ross and Robinson were again in the mix, but this time led away by Hayden's multi-talented brother Fraser (ex-Scorpion crew to Russel & ex-Laser 4000 crew to Robinson). Fraser built a strong lead, cut to just a couple of seconds at the line, but took 1st from Robinson, with Russel Hayden again 3rd.
Race four conditions stayed similar, and Fraser Hayden stayed in the groove, taking an early lead and breaking from the pack. In the mix this time were James Ross, Steve Jones, and Will Loy (RYA). There were some entertaining capsizes throughout the fleet, but Fraser Hayden won in convincing style, followed by Robinson, then Ross. Once back ashore the competitors were greeted with tea and homemade cakes.
Guildford Marine were generous with prizes and this was a well-hosted event.
Overall Results:
| Position | Sail No | Name | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | 4973 | Paul Robinson | Datchet | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| 2 | 5202 | Fraser Hayden | Papercourt | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
| 3 | 5281 | James Ross | Hamble River | 9 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 9 |
| 4 | 4741 | Steve Jones | Wraysbury | 2 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 11 |
| 5 | 4967 | Patrick Fell | Papercourt | 10 | 4 | 9 | 5 | 18 |
| 6 | 5063 | Russel Hayden | Papercourt | 12 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 18 |
| 7 | 4272 | Rob Hardwick | Papercourt | 6 | 9 | 18 | 7 | 22 |
| 8 | 4874 | Jonathan Farnell | Papercourt | 4 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 22 |
| 9 | 1102 | Will Loy | RYA | 8 | 14 | 10 | 6 | 24 |
| 10 | 5115 | Andrew Boyce | Papercourt | 1 | 12 | 12 | RTD | 25 |
| 11 | 4904 | Terry Palmer | Upper Thames | 14 | 8 | 7 | 11 | 26 |
| 12 | 4669 | Tim Jackson | Papercourt | 15 | 11 | 6 | 12 | 29 |
| 13 | 5026 | Jason Aldous | Papercourt | 16 | 6 | 11 | DNS | 33 |
| 14 | 5230 | M Healy | Chipstead | 13 | 15 | 20 | 8 | 36 |
| 15 | 3969 | David Saunders | Papercourt | 11 | 13 | 13 | DNS | 37 |
| 16 | 4454 | Giles Maltby | Papercourt | 17 | 16 | 14 | 9 | 39 |
| 17 | 4928 | Rob Trend | Chipstead | 18 | 18 | 15 | 14 | 47 |
| 18 | 4818 | John Hawes | Papercourt | 22 | 20 | 16 | 16 | 52 |
| 19 | 3775 | Bill Goodman | Papercourt | 19 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 53 |
| 20 | 4551 | Bill Hutchings | Tonbridge | 21 | 21 | 17 | RTD | 59 |
| 21 | 5187 | Julian Rickards | Littleton | 5 | DNS | DNS | DNS | 59 |
| 22 | 5085 | John Baple | Papercourt | 20 | 17 | DNS | DNS | 64 |
| 23 | 5283 | David Baple | Papercourt | 23 | DNS | DNS | DNS | 77 |
| 24 | 4840 | Bill Stock | Papercourt | RTD | DNS | DNS | DNS | 80 |
| 25 | 5305 | Mike Murphy | Papercourt | DNS | DNS | DNS | DNS | 81 |
The final round of the TV series is 19th October at Island Barn. The Southern series has 3 more events: Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club 21st September, Bough Beech Sailing Club 5th October and Chipstead Sailing Club 12th October.