Rooster Midland Solo Series at Staunton Harold Sailing Club

Rooster Midland Solo Series at Staunton Harold © Liz Threadgill

Rooster Midland Solo Series at Staunton Harold © Simon Foskett

A record entry of twenty eight Solos gathered at Staunton Harold Sailing Club on 22nd October for the final round of the 2016 Rooster Midland Series. Twenty three visitors made the trip to join five home boats and were rewarded with a great day's sailing.

The forecast of 8-9 knots proved pretty accurate with some bright sunny weather, although a couple of rainy squalls came through in the afternoon. The wind direction was ideal which enabled the race officer Simon Kelsall to set some good courses during the day.

Oli Wells (5668) from Northampton stormed off into a commanding lead in the first race, chased by Bob Suggitt (5318) from Barnt Green, Staunton Harold sailor Tim Gray (5443) and Alan Bishop (5649) from Girton. There was some close racing in the fleet, but Oli Wells stayed out in front to clinch the race followed by Tim Gray in second with another home sailor Javier Porto (4727) coming through to take third place.

After a hearty lunch the fleet set out for two more races sailed back to back. The lead was contested in the second race by Tim Gray, Simon Maskell (5687) from Hunts, Jonathan Woodward (5176) from South Staffs and Oli Wells, with Kev Hall (5524) from Northampton and Nigel Davies (5642) from Draycote in close contention. Oli Wells fought his way to the front to secure the event with another impressive win. Tim Gray was again in second place with Nigel Davies picking up third.

Rooster Midland Solo Series at Staunton Harold - photo © David Bridge

In the third race, Tim Gray and Bob Suggitt fought for the lead in the early stages but with the arrival of some squally rain Simon Maskell came through to take the line honours. Alan Bishop took second place with Bob Suggitt in third.

So, with his clean sweep in the first two races, Oli Wells took the title. Second overall was Tim Gray, with Simon Maskell in third place.

Overall Results: