Solo Thames Valley and Southern Series Open at Papercourt Sailing Club

Papercourt Sailing Club welcomed seven travellers and eighteen club members to their 2021 Solo Open on what turned to be an unexpected glorious warm October day.

The wind was a gentle southerly breeze, but with a consistent number of gusts that tested and caught a few helms out. The Race Officer (Mark Carleton) took advantage of wind blowing directly down the lake by setting two port windward marks and a downwind gate. Consequently, upwind required constant tacking and strategic downwind gybing to gain the advantage. Four races were sailed, with three to count.

2021 Papercourt Sailing Club Solo Open - photo © Peter Snow

In the first race Paul Robinson 4973 (PSC) was the boat to catch with a pack of 5 in close pursuit. At the halfway stage James Boyce 5115 (PSC 2020 winner) asserted himself and took the lead to the finish, with Paul hanging on to second in front of Fraser Hayden 5693 (PSC).

In the second race James got off to a good start and never looked back and seemed to be extending his lead every lap. In the pack behind young Simon Hamment 5791 (PSC), normally a Laser sailor and in a borrowed Solo, beat off the opposition to claim second place. Andrew Boyce 5666 (PSC) after having a dunk in the first race and wanting to prove a point on home territory came in third to make it a son / father - one / three.

2021 Papercourt Sailing Club Solo Open - photo © Peter Snow

After a hearty lunch all came out for the two more back to backs. Race three saw Richard Hudson 5554 (Bough Beech SC) dominated throughout to win. Paul Playle 5180 (Island Barn SC) stayed in contention in the leading pack and took third. However, it was Simon Hamment who worked hard to secure another second. James had a poor start and probably had one too many baked potato's, which meant that he was only able claw back fourth. Therefore, it was all to play for in the last race.

In the fourth race James came out of the blocks flying to be first round the windward mark, followed by Fraser and Paul. By the mid race James and Fraser had pulled away with 9 boats chasing third. The next lap it was down 4 racing out which of Simon put on a turn of speed to catch and beat Fraser over the line.

James Boyce, winner of the 2021 Papercourt Sailing Club Solo Open, presented with the trophy by PSC Solo Class Captain Martin Kemp - photo © Andrew Boyce

Well done to James Boyce as the clear winner with three bullets and to retain the trophy. A well deserved clear second to Simon Hamment with an impressive three seconds. Paul Robinson just pipped Richard Hudson for third.

Overall Results: