Solo Open at Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club

Open winner Alex Butler getting off the line during the Mengeham Rythe Solo Open © Angela Macdonald

Lawrence 'sun's out, guns out' Creaser during the Mengeham Rythe Solo Open © Angela Macdonald

With Windguru offering up the possibility of 0 knots, gusting 1 knot, in the middle of the day things weren't looking good for racing at Mengeham Rythe on Saturday Sept 29th.

After some Facebook discussion, and with many sailors in the locale, a very healthy fleet of 29 Solos took to the waters of Chichester harbour for three most excellent races.

Having only got a late call from mates Nick Bonner and Richard Lovering to get his @ss down to the club and get rigged, one could be forgiven for thinking that Lawrence Creaser had actually forgotten half his sailing kit, but as it turned out his "sun's out, gun's out" look proved to be the perfect attire as once again conditions defied Windguru and the fleet was treated a pleasant breeze in glorious late Summer sunshine.

Race one, and under the watchful eye of PRO Graeme Macdonald, the fleet set about the business of the day round a sausage/triangle course. With a little port bias, but a right favoured beat there were options to be taken as, at times, full hiking was required with kicker tension being applied. As Creaser pulled out a nice lead the gaggle behind looked like they'd be left fighting for the scraps with places changing rapidly as the breeze oscillated and snakes and ladders were handed out. In due course, and with some close quarters rules discussion(!), Lovering ground Creaser down, but only to find young Alex Butler skilfully slipping passed them both. To add insult to injury Nigel Thomas then overtook "sun's out, gun's out" just before the finish with Neil Davison 5th and defending champion Vince Horey 6th. Behind the leading six things were equally close with the poor race officer's assistant having to press the finishing hooter in rapid succession as the fleet filed through in short order.

After a short postponement race two got underway. The breeze had eased off a little with the shifts and pressure changes proving to be the deciding factors, as well as remembering the tide was still just on the flood. Guy Mayger worked the first beat best after a fortuitous early port/starboard with Nick Rawlings sent him just far enough left to benefit from a favourable shift. Butler rounded second, Bonner in third, then Fraser Hayden, Creaser and Rawlings. Though very close the places remained pretty much the same for the following run and beat, but after starting the first reach Butler just wriggled a little faster than Mayger to claim the inside overlap at the gybe mark. On the following reach Butler and Mayger extended on the fleet, but no amount of wave-working or tacking up to the finish line could get Mayger through, so Butler took his second win and with it the overall victory. Bonner held on for 3rd, backing up his first race 22nd! Creaser nipped by Hayden with Rawlings 6th. Once again, the fleet was close behind, testament to the hard-fought racing the Solo is renowned for.

Rob Bellfield, Jonny Wells, Mike Ogle & Jeremy Rapley during the Mengeham Rythe Solo Open - photo © Angela Macdonald

Race three, and the breeze continued to hold in the 5-6 knot region. A little light, but enough to keep most keen. With a minute to go to the start PRO Graeme very kindly reminded the fleet that the tide had now turned and with that we got away first time, again! This time Creaser completed a wire-to-wire win only taking time on the second beat to loose cover Mayger who had been able to get inside a right hand shift on Thomas. Whether Creaser was hoping to drag Butler and Thomas into the mix no-one was sure, but places were maintained for the remainder of the lap. Tim Lewis finished 4th with an improving set of results. Consistent sailing saw Thomas 5th and Hayden 6th.

Nigel Thomas leads Fraser Hayden during the Mengeham Rythe Solo Open - photo © Angela Macdonald

Three great races, no recalls, and breeze defying Windguru's predictions made for a wonderful afternoon of very close racing. As sandwiches, tea and cakes were downed back at the club the final count of the results gave Butler the win ahead of Mayger who was a single point clear of Creaser. Thomas, who always seemed to be in the mix, took 4th with Lovering 5th and Papercourt's Hayden in 6th.

Huge thanks as always to Mengeham Rythe SC, Graeme Macdonald and his race team out on the water and the shore crew for the post-race tea.

Overall Results: