Solo open meeting at Papercourt Sailing Club

Approaching the mark during the Solo open meeting at Papercourt © Jon Paton

Solo open meeting at Papercourt © Jon Paton

Sunday the 14th October dawned - looking more like the start of the winter series - cold, wet and still dark at 7am. On arrival at the club a welcoming hot drink and a bacon roll greeted the sailors. The rain had stopped and the wind had moved into the North earlier than forecast.

Race 1

The line was set in the southern part of the lake with a slight port bias as the countdown began. Some were trying to take advantage of the port bias line while others flooded the committee boat end. With the one minute flag dropped and 30 seconds to go the wind swung some 180 degrees. Interesting! With no-one over the line the fleet ran off to the first mark. If this was not bad enough the heavens opened with a torrential downpour of rain. The sight of 29 boats line abreast the lake sailing into the monsoon type weather (without the heat) was spectacular.

The fleet sorted themselves out as the wind reverted back to the original NNW direction. By the first leeward mark the fleet has settled into small groups of three or four boats, each group doing battle with their fellow competitors. The lead group was lead by 4801 (Godfrey Clark), 5666 (Andrew Boyce) and 5180 (Paul Playle). These three continued to lead the fleet with Andrew passing Paul and Godfrey to win the first race.

Race 2

The wind behaved itself and with only one boat a little too eager on the line the fleet tacked its way to the first mark. The locals seemed to have sussed the wind, taking the first five places, probably spurred on by the thought of a warm clubhouse and hot food and drinks for lunch. 5381 (Fraser Hayden), as Commodore of Papercourt, lead the charge followed by 5666 Andrew, 5065 Sam Tozer and 4480 Simon Hamment in a borrowed boat.

Race 3

After an excellent lunch the fleet returned to the water all keen to race. A little too keen, but they got away cleanly after two general recalls. The wind continued to provide excellent tacking duels and tactical runs through the fleet but again our local commodore, 5381 Fraser, led the fleet and closely followed by 4973 Paul Robinson and 4801 Godfrey from Fishers Green. Fellow visitors from Hill Head, Island Barn, Littleton and Frensham filled most of the next six places.

Race 4

The start of race 4 would decide the final placings, Fraser had a good set of results but could be beaten by Andrew who retired in Race 3 and Godfrey who was over the line in Race 2 and needed to discard that result.

At the first mark 5666 Andrew led the fleet closely followed by 5180 Paul Playle and Fraser. But after rounding the leeward mark Fraser slipped through as Andrew covered Paul tack for tack. Fraser held on to this lead to the finish.

With everyone back in the clubhouse enjoying hot tea and cakes Fraser was awarded the open trophy with three clear wins to his name. Andrew second with and Paul third.

Thanks go to the Papercourt team for running the open, especially those in the rescue boats who got very wet and cold, and those in the galley for the hot food and drinks.

Monsoon-like rain for the Solo open meeting at Papercourt - photo © Jon Paton

Overall Results:

Monsoon-like rain for the Solo open meeting at Papercourt - photo © Jon Paton