Chichester Harbour Gin Solo Open at Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club

Fleet splits after the start of Race 2 during the Mengeham Rythe Solo Open © Graeme Macdonald

Tight finish during the Mengeham Rythe Solo Open © Graeme Macdonald

Happy winner overall Reger Bennet who also won one of the Chichester Harbour Gin spot prizes during the Mengeham Rythe Solo Open © Graeme Macdonald

The day's forecast was for 7/8 knots from the South East, dropping and swinging to below 5 knots in the afternoon. As a result the PRO was keen to get us on the water and we had an impromptu briefing in the car park while rigging. The HISC members joined us in the starting area making a fleet of 25 Solos in total.

The first start was delayed while the breeze settled, but eventually the fleet got away with a beat up towards East Head Spit. This was the last time the windward mark was set in this location as the wind continued to swing. The run proved more challenging as patches of wind from behind and either side brought the fleet together at the leeward mark.

The PRO did a magnificent job all day with his team and fleet of ribs moving marks to keep the course square. Line honours for race one went to Alex Butler followed by Roger Bennet and Nick Peters.

Pushing the line for race two meant a black flag start. As the fleet approached the windward mark the wind switched off and tide became a factor in place changing. Tim Lewis managed to find a little more of the wind on the run and passed Roger Bennet. This he held to the finish with the third place taken again by Nick Peters.

For race three the wind had returned and was more from the south west with a windward mark set in front of HISC. The tide was also on the ebb so the majority of the fleet tacked right after the start to get into the channel. Final placings were Nick Rawlings followed by Tim Polglase and a consistent Roger Bennet third.

On shore overall placings and prizes were: Bennet (first), Butler, Peters and Lewis. A little extra excitement with a prize draw from the sponsor Chichester Harbour Gin. The racing was tight, sunny weather and excellent tea - put it in your diary for next year!

Overall Results:

Nick Rawlins leads the fleet from a bunched leeward mark during the Mengeham Rythe Solo Open - photo © Graeme Macdonald