Solo Southern Area Series and Thames Valley Area Series Open at Papercourt Sailing Club

Papercourt Solo Open © Mark Carleton

After a morning of torrential rain and bacon rolls, the sun eventually came out, however the wind failed to show up! Wise race officering from PRO Mark Carleton called for an early lunch, allowing the wind to fill in. 18 boats headed out for an afternoon of light wind on Papercourt Lake.

Race 1 turned into a tight battle between Paul Robinson (Papercourt) and Ian Matthews (Spinnaker) who pulled away from Fraser Hayden (Papercourt), and Mike Dray (Littleton). Ian found the better shifts to finish just ahead of Paul, with Fraser following ahead of Andrew Boyce (Papercourt).

Papercourt Solo Open - photo © Mark Carleton

Race 2 saw a steadier wind from the South, with much place changing in the pack. Andrew got clean away from the committee boat end, with Fraser nipping at his transom by the last mark. Others in the chasing pack included Ian (recovering well from OCS), Paul, Graham Cranford-Smith (Salcombe YC) and Patrick Fell (Papercourt).

A good start in the last race was key with 4 boats split over 2 points.

Papercourt Solo Open - photo © Mark Carleton

For Race 3 the wind decided to make it really interesting by shifting to behind the start line. A postponement was duly called until the wind behaved itself. By the second start it was still dodgy, with boats on the line head to wind on Starboard tack causing much chaos, Fraser found himself parked on the line, however a few keen-eyed sailors were able to get away in the shifty zephyrs to the first mark.

The run saw a left and right split with Fraser and friends opting for left, allowing him through to lead the pack. The majority of the fleet arrived at the leeward gate at the same time, with much 'banter' and general chat as the leeward gate was not set for a dozen boats to go around together - what fun! Fraser held the lead with Andrew also recovering well from a slow start to finish 2nd and Graham 3rd, Paul 4th.

Papercourt Solo Open - photo © Mark Carleton

A fascinating day of snakes and ladders in challenging conditions, including more torrential rain during the Papercourt tea and prize-giving. Thanks go to PRO and team, safety boats and Jill and the galley crew for an excellent day. And of course, all the sailors particularly the travellers for an entertaining day! See you next year!

Overall Results: