Magic Marine National Solo Championship at Hayling Island Sailing Club - Day 2

Day 2 at the Magic Marine National Solo Championship at Hayling Island © Will Loy

Event leader Charlie Cumbley on day 2 at the Magic Marine National Solo Championship at Hayling Island © Will Loy

Chris Powles, local HISC sailor, on day 2 at the Magic Marine National Solo Championship at Hayling Island © Will Loy

The fleet awoke to more burning sunshine and with the wind tracking towards 180 degrees and the downs resembling the Sahara, a thermal breeze was guaranteed. Sadly, we learned that Vice President Doug Latta had lost his father and would be unable to continue with the regatta. The members, H.I.S.C. and the NSCA Committee send there sincere condolences to him and his family.

If there was a ray of sunshine, and to be fair we are already inundated with those, then it would mean that I would have to continue to entertain the troops at the nightly prize draw. I could hear the mutter of discontent even as I motored out to race area Bravo, so concentrated on capturing the action as it unfolded.

Race 3

With the wind stable in direction at 195 degrees and 7-10mph there was some optimism from the lighter helms but with general recalls and BFDs out of the way, racing finally started in a building 10-12mph and a chop which would examine every sailors slow twitch fibres. There were a number of notable BFDs, Vince Horey, Tim Dickenson, Matin Honnor and Plate leader Graham Cranford Smith among them.

Cumbley, sporting the Magic Marine event leader yellow vest, got the shifts and tide just right to round first from Law, clearly identifiable by his Magic Marine red vest and looking to upgrade to blue for tomorrow. Stuart Godwin, who had fixed his outhaul overnight was in third and thankful that he could now add some belly to his sail and some grunt to his downwind sailing. Guy Mayger was next with Lovering and Geoff Henstridge sixth. The breeze held at 12-14mph and the top three places remained the same, squirting out a comfortable gap to the chasing group. Pete Mitchell, second overall got back up to fourth with James Boyce a very respectable fifth and no doubt making his dad Andrew, very proud.

Race 4

Three more BFDs after more recalls than I can recollect and my mind is still as nimble as a 29er crew during a three sail gybe. Ellie Cumpsty, Steve Ede and Finn sailor Ivan Burden were found guilty of pulling the trigger just a little too early and had the pleasure of the sail of shame back to the club.

Steve Ede concentrates through the chop on day 2 at the Magic Marine National Solo Championship at Hayling Island - photo © Will Loy

At the top, and enjoying the increased pressure was Henstridge who judged the port laymen to perfection, a nice feeling must have filled his senses as he looked back at the100 Solos that got it wrong. Second round was Robert Gullan, the 69kg sailor hiking out by his toenails but local knowledge was his weapon. Outside him was Lovering and they set off down the sausage with Hans Duetz, our dutch competitor and Tim Dickenson, looking for retribution after his BFD close behind. Cumbley clawed his way into the top ten at the top mark and after going high down the run, came in hot and second at the leeward gate. Gullan and Lovering rounded together, Lovering electing for the left gate and looking for a left shift.

Richard Lovering contemplates a tack on day 2 at the Magic Marine National Solo Championship at Hayling Island - photo © Will Loy

Cumbley inevitably took the lead by the top mark but only just crossed Henstridge who was making him work hard for a fourth bullet. Lovering's tactic got him up to third with Godwin and Law completing the top five.

So, with the fleet returned to the port the competitors could look forward to the Annual General Meeting, always an absolute must at a Championship... well, I will be there.

Today we will also be giving away some awesome Hyde kitbags and a discount voucher for a new mainsail. It is also the first day of the Allen 'Improver of the Day Award', the most improved sailor who has completed all four races.

Tomorrow promises sun and sea breezes so it will be a challenge to get some photos that can top the ones I have taken. Please let it be cloudy and atmospheric.

Results after Day 2: