Hadron H2 Solent Trophy event at Warsash Sailing Club - Overall

Start Race 5: Ian Dawson is squeezed out of the line, with unfortunate consequences at the Hadron H2 Solent Trophy 2022 at Warsash © Keith Callaghan

As the competitors munched their hearty breakfasts at Warsash SC on the second and final day of the H2 Solent Trophy, the wind was looking to be as forecast - rather feeble. However, the absence of clouds and the onshore direction of the feeble wind held a promise of a sea breeze cutting in before midday.

The fleet launched immediately after the briefing by RO Peter Knight but exiting the Hamble River against the flood proved a slow process. It was apparent that the fleet would not be able to reach the race area for the scheduled start time. There thus followed a one hour postponement, by which time the hoped-for sea breeze of 7-10 knots had arrived.

Ian Little finished 6th overall at the Hadron H2 Solent Trophy 2022 at Warsash - photo © Keith Callaghan

The gentler breeze brought some of the lighter helms to the fore: Ian Dawson led at the weather mark in race 4 but disaster struck as he rounded - his kicking strap became untied and he lost many minutes repairing it. Then Richard Leftley had an uncharacteristic capsize, discovering that no kicker and no centreboard when gybing is more than a little dodgy. Josh Hamer took full advantage of these events and sailed to a good win, which he then repeated in race 5.

So with one race to go, Richard was in an almost unassailable position (unless he capsized again!) but second place was very tightly contested. With one discard, Josh Hamer was on 9 points, Tim Garvin was on 11 and Andrew McGaw on 12. So Tim had to finish 3 places higher than Josh in the last race to jump to second. Tim finished second, behind Richard, but Andrew McGaw and Roger Millett finished ahead of Josh, who was in 5th place. Thus newcomers Tim and Josh finished second and third overall.

Richard Leftley wins the Hadron H2 Solent Trophy 2022 at Warsash - photo © Keith Callaghan

A second beautiful day of sailing was thus completed and the crews returned to the hospitable club for an excess of cakes to top up the calories consumed afloat.

Thanks again to Warsash SC for a great weekend!

The above gives a brief summary of the day but we have prepared a short video which shows you some of the racing and includes comments by Dougal Henshall and interviews with Richard Leftley and Tim Garvin.

Overall Results: