Solo Midlands Open 2023 at Chase Sailing Club

Solo Midlands Open at Chase © Dave Watkins

Solo Midlands Open at Chase © Dave Watkins

Solo Midlands Open at Chase © Dave Watkins

25 Solos lined up for the Chase Sailing Club, Solo open held on 16th September, even though this open was part of the midland regional series competitors travelled from far and wide to race in a four-race open.

The racing was set out to be two races in the morning with a break for lunch and a further two races in the afternoon, this was to coincide with the Lightning National Championship being hosted on the same weekend.

The forecast was set fair with a nice NE breeze, overcast with the chance of a little sunshine. The RO for the day, Graham Flynn, assisted by Paul Lester in the committee boat, Graham gave the briefing at 10.30 to all competitors and thanked our excellent welcoming crew that organised the tally's and the car parking.

The first race started at 10.55am, all got away without a hitch, the wind behaved without too much movement in direction. Ian Ingram from Earlswood got off to a good start as did Dave Winder in his new boat which looked fantastic! It was Dave Winder who got the win followed by Ian Ingram from Earlswood with Nigel Davies from Draycote in third.

The RO decided to change the course as the wind had started to shift, all boats got away without a hitch. This time it was Jonathon Swain from Carsington that showed excellent pace to take the win, followed by Chris Brown from Draycote with Dave Winder taking third spot.

Everyone came in for a superb lunch prepared by the galley, with everyone refuelled it was time for the deciding races.

The RO set a new course, the wind increasing slightly and veering to the east. Once again it was a great start, Ian Ingram taking the win, Dave Winder in second and Nigel Davies in third. Kev Hall managed an excellent fourth.

Solo Midlands Open at Chase - photo © Dave Watkins

So, it was all down to the last race with several boats being able to win the open, the RO decided to stretch everyone out with a long course, unfortunately Chris Brown managed to be the wrong side of the line with an OCS ruling him out of a final position. It was Jonathon Swain from Carsington who took the win, Dave Winder took second position and Ian Ingram in third.

Therefore, it was Dave Winder who took the win overall by one point, Ian Ingram in second and Jonathon Swain in third.

The Commodore of Chase SC, Dave Watkins thanked everyone for travelling, Dave Winder thanked everyone for the excellent hospitality and warm welcome, especially the shore crew that did a fantastic job with the trolleys.

Once again the choice of cakes were amazing and all profits raised will be heading to the RNLI.

Overall Results: