Solo Open at Royal Harwich Yacht Club

23 Solos from 7 clubs across the East of England travelled to Royal Harwich Yacht Club for the annual Solo Open. This year was to be a light year in what seems to be an alternating light or windy conditions each year.

OOD Dr Chris Brown briefed all competitors, both Solos and Lasers (the event being shared) that there would be a postponement until the wind had swung and settled. The plan was 4 races back-to-back. Competitors caught up on the season's trials and tribulations with coffee in the sunshine as the windy duly swung to the gentle sea breeze.

Race 1 saw a gentle 5-6 knot breeze at the start against the flood tide. With this combination and a single lap windward-leeward starting was going to be at a premium! The Solos did not disappoint - numerous boats were over, but all returned to play catchup after an individual recall. A "benefit" of starting next to the committee boat was that you could cringe as you heard your number being read out!

2021 Royal Harwich Yacht Club Solo Open - photo © Bob and Amanda Portway

At the front it was all close with the pin end in slightly less tide the in-shore boats took a late port arrival to the mark which made for a busy first mark. Down the run the left side in the tide was beneficial with the fleet spanning out after a few altercations at the top mark. Matthew Frary from Norfolk Broads Yacht club took line honours from Mark Maskell from Blackwater Sailing Club ahead of David Youngs in third from Brightlingsea Sailing Club. Brightlingsea Sailing Club were the by far the strongest visiting club bringing a total of nine boats up the coast to Woolverstone for the day - thank you to all for making the trip up and we hope to see you all again.

For Race 2 the OOD adopted a longer beat then a zig zag downwind course, the wind steady as in race 1 but with a little swing to the right. The start was again closely contested. Vince Horey from King George Sailing Club was now starting to get a reputation of wanting to get away a little early following his premature start and prompt return. Again, Vince showed good speed to get back towards the front end but with short races and a good fleet it was not a winning move. The beat looked good initially on the right with a slight bend, but still the inshore paid and those boats popped out in front. As the wind dropped a little the broad reach was looking good for Chris Mayhew and Matthew Frary who took the channel tide before gybing inshort but the direct line from Godfrey Clark who picked up a little puff to take the lead was the fastest line. At the finish it was Clark that took the bullet, chased closely by consistent Maskell with another second place followed by Phil Sturmer in third from Team Brightlingsea.

2021 Royal Harwich Yacht Club Solo Open - photo © Bob and Amanda Portway

Race 3 had an adjusted sausage and triangle, with the breeze restoring itself. Vince, not to disappoint started in a consistent fashion, returning for starting practice! The racing was getting closer, but consistent Maskell was getting into his stride taking a clear win from Frary and Clark.

The final race with the tide now on the turn left the beat to be explored a little more, but still inshore seemed to pay. This race was a sausage followed by a triangle and Maskell was again setting the scene. Frary, Mayhew and Horey were all in the mix with Horey showing what was possible when you are not over the line! It finished with an impressive win for Maskell to take the event discarding a second. Horey took second and Frary took the inside to take Mayhew before the line for third.

2021 Royal Harwich Yacht Club Solo Open - photo © Bob and Amanda Portway

Complements go to OOD Dr Chris Brown and his team, who didn't have the easiest conditions but made the best of it and minimised any waiting around. The competitors enjoyed the refreshments afterwards before the prize-giving on the lawn.

The Solos discussed their next meeting, possibly the End of Seasons at Draycote on Saturday 30th October - the day before the Royal Harwich Winter Series begins.

Overall Results:

2021 Royal Harwich Yacht Club Solo Open - photo © Bob and Amanda Portway