Solo Spring Championship at Draycote Water Sailing Club - Preview
by Will Loy 2 Apr 2018 15:56 BST
7-8 April 2018
Solo Midlands Area Open at Draycote Water © Malcolm Lewin /
www.malcolmlewinphotography.zenfolio.com/sail
This Saturday April 7 we go to Draycote Water, hotbed of the Nationals Solo class for Q2 of the 2018 North Sails Super Series. 3 races are planned and with an initial forecast of 17 degrees and 10-18 knots, a bumper attendance is expected. There were 57 entries at the Noble Marine Winters despite temperatures below freezing so I doubt the hardy sailors will be anything other than gagging for action at the midland based reservoir.
There are several changes expected in the sailing instructions, one of which is two leeward marks which will be in play on the running legs and the other is to use sausage/triangle as opposed to the reverse. We trialled this at the 2017 EOS following input from top PRO Peter Saxton who explained that by setting a sausage leg immediately after the first windward leg compressed the fleet and provided closer racing.
We have also been working closely with our on-water jury Steve Watson and are hoping to trial a penalty system for rule 42 (illegal propulsion) whereby we adopt a similar philosophy to the card system used in football. As an analogy, If a competitor is seen to be pushing R42, they will be flagged and whistled (like a yellow card for a tackle). A further transgression (dodgy tackle) of R42 will result in the standard yellow flag and whistle requiring turns to absolve the infringement. Steve will outline this trial in the race briefing so keep your ears peeled.
We have been using jury for a few years, and the standard of behaviour of the fleet is now far better, sailing remains very much a self policing sport and fair play is pivotal in providing a sport that we can all enjoy.
We will continue to use on water jury at our major events and Steve is always available to provide incite and education for the NSCA fleet. The double edged blade of our incredible popularity means big fleets and close one on one racing.
I look forward to seeing 60+ competitors on the water next Saturday.
Noble Marine are our class Insurer and keep us racing 24/7. NSCA members can get discount when insuring your National Solo.
North Sails are providing a new mainsail to one lucky qualifier at the EOS in October. Just complete 4 Q events, more events more chances to win!
Magic Marine are our class clothing partner and are also sponsoring the class with the Class Roots Initiative and title sponsorship of our National Championship and Nation's Cup.
Thanks to all our sponsors who keep the Solo on the map in the UK and beyond.