Chichester Harbour Gin Solo Southern Area Open at Lymington Town Sailing Club

Pete Mitchell in very light wind during the Lymington Solo Open © Lou Johnson

Ian Campbell takes the final race during the Lymington Solo Open © Lou Johnson

Thirty Solos turned out for the Chichester Harbour Gin - Lymington Town Sailing Club's first ever Solo Open on Saturday 30th March.

The Solo fleet at LTSC has grown from one boat 3 years ago to around twelve, and the club was pleased to host its inaugural Solo Open. However, the weather gods were not looking too kindly, with the sea breeze which had been solid in previous days proving to be reluctant on the day. However, R.O. Rob Martin took the day by the scruff of the neck and had the competitors out on the water ready and waiting for when the breeze did arrive. In consequence all three back-to-back races were sailed with the middle race enjoying a steady sea breeze, and the 2 either side being sailable, but fickle.

Race 1 started in a SSE with all competitors getting away cleanly with the breeze holding for lap 1, but it died away during lap 2 with much place changing depending on where the breeze chose to touch down. Pete Mitchell came in 1st with Dave Mitchell and Nigel Thomas close behind.

Just before the start race 2 a 90-degree wind shift to the SW with a light sea breeze came in requiring the race team to do some rapid mark relaying. The fleet again got away first time with those at the committee boat end going to the far right hand corner to avoid the stronger tide further out coming out smelling of roses, Mark Lee (Lymington Town) was first to the windward mark with Malcolm Buchanan seconds behind, Mark continued his winning ways to the finish to take the bullet with Nigel Davies and Guy Mayger following him over the line.

Gybe mark during the Lymington Solo Open - photo © Lou Johnson

Race 3 started just as the breeze died away with the competitors having to be very careful with the tide not to get swept the wrong side of marks. Ian Campbell (Marchwood YC) with a port end flyer lead to the first mark and spotted the tide offset to the second before others so opened up a comfortable lead to be first over the line with Martin Hodgson and Pete Mitchell following.

Fleet spread out fighting the tide during the Lymington Solo Open - photo © Lou Johnson

Chichester Harbour Gin supported the event and winners took home some samples of the product, while the spot prize of a 70cl bottle went to a very pleased and surprised Charles Stimpson from Spinnaker SC.

Tea and home-made cakes were much enjoyed by all competitors, who all said they would come back next year, and it is hoped LTSC will host the Southern Area Championships in 2020.

Overall Results: