Solution Open at South Shields Sailing Club
by Karl Milford 2 Jun 2015 08:03 BST
30-31 May 2015
On Saturday racing was outside the harbour in the glorious south bay.
Race 1 - In windy conditions and a port bias line Sam made the most of the pin end, got to the windward mark 1st and never lost the lead. Karl was second around but lost places to Peter and Martin on the downwind legs with Niall, after a poor start, bringing up the rear. Martin made good ground in the next couple of laps to put some pressure on Sam but couldn't do enough to get past. 3rd and 4th places swapped many times with Karl eventually taking 3rd, Peter 4th and Niall 5th
Race 2 - Again a port bias start for the fleet and a little chaotic in the strong wind with only Peter and Sam getting off the line well. Sam lead again at the first mark but Martin was close after the first lap, overtook him on the second down wind reach and held onto the 1st position til the end. 3rd & 4th changed positions on each lap with Karl eventually coming out on top and taking 3rd again with Peter in 4th. Niall took a bang to the head and had to retire.
Race 3 - Close racing between all 5 Solutions in this race until the last lap when Sam and Martin left the rest of the fleet behind. Local sailor Liam Alcock, who had taken over the helm of Niall's boat, held 3rd place until a foot strap broke on the last downwind leg which allowed Karl through for his third 3rd place. Liam got upright and finished 4th with Peter taking 5th.
After an evening of music, beer and BBQ, Sunday dawned and was proper windy.
Race 4 - Winds gusting 30 knots reduced the 5 launched boats to 3 at the start. Peter and Martin decided the trip between the Piers looked a little daunting, which it was with wind against tide causing some horrible chop at the harbour entrance. 3 boats went off at the start with Karl heading right and reaching the windward mark 1st. Liam, still sailing Niall's boat, capsized at the 2nd mark and never recovered. With Sam going over at the 3rd mark, also not to recover due to the increasing wind, this left Karl to complete 1 lap and take the hooter for 1st.
The racing was then abandoned due to the strong winds.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 |
|---|
| 1 | 415 | Sam Davy | Hykeham | 1 | 2 | 1 | (DNF) |
| 2 | 446 | Martin Tubb | Leigh & Lowton | 2 | 1 | 2 | (DNC) |
| 3 | 449 | Karl Milford | South Shields | ‑3 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| 4 | 436 | Peter Fisk | Llandudno | 4 | 4 | 5 | (DNC) |
| 5 | 410 | Liam Alcock | South Shields | DNC | (DNC) | 4 | DNF |
| 6 | 410 | Niall Graham | South Shields | 4 | DNF | DNC | (DNC) |