Solo Open at Notts County Sailing Club
by Kathryn Hinsliff-Smith 4 Oct 14:47 BST
2 October 2021
NCSC held the annual Solo open, part of the Midlands circuit. Unlike 2019, when there was no wind, this was not the case this year, in fact the forecast was for gusts up to 26 knots on Saturday 2nd October, it was however lighter and wet, the forecast and petrol shortage undoubtedly reduced numbers, however we had visitors from Northampton and Ogston.
The Race Team set up a course to provide an all points of racing challenge, beats, reach and broad reaches covering most parts of the Lake.
Two back-to-back races were held with the visitors dominating both races. Martin Honnor from Ogston SC taking two bullets. Meanwhile the four Notts County Sailing Club boats were battling it out for places.
After lunch Race 3 saw some more lively forecast weather complete with rain squalls. This time the race leader was visitor Kev Hall from Northampton SC who led from the off and looked unlikely to be caught. Fun and games at mark 8 with a gybe but the wind dropped, leaving sailors wondering which way to head. Clive Gimson from NCSC held on to 3rd ensuring a one point lead to secure 3rd overall.
Overall winner was Martin Honnor who thanked Notts County the host club and those that competed despite the forecast and potential lack of fuel to travel.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | Pts |
|---|
| 1st | 5880 | Martin Honnor | Ogston SC | 1 | 1 | ‑2 | 2 |
| 2nd | 5524 | Kev Hall | Northampton SC | ‑2 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 3rd | 5774 | Clive Gimson | Notts County SC | ‑4 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| 4th | 5866 | Ian Firth | Notts County SC | 3 | 4 | ‑5 | 7 |
| 5th | 4902 | Stephanie Gunn | Notts County SC | ‑6 | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| 6th | 5856 | Brian Fisher | Notts County SC | 5 | ‑6 | 6 | 11 |