Solution Open at Lee-on-the-Solent Sailing Club

Lee-on-the-Solent Solution Open © Jamie Robinson

The weekend of 10th-11th August saw 11 hardy Solution sailors arrive at Lee-on-the-Solent Sailing Club for the combined Solution and Phantom open. We had visitors from as far away as Leigh and Lowton SC and Great Yarmouth and Gorleston SC under the illusion of the wall-to-wall sunshine and 10-12knts of breeze that had been promised but the weather had other ideas.

With three races expected to run on Saturday, the helms launched through the waves that were dumping on the beach with the assistance of the heroic beach team into 18-20knots SW'ly and overcast skies.

Lee-on-the-Solent Solution Open - photo © Jamie Robinson

The Race officer opted for a 'Triangle/Sausage' course and once the Phantom fleet got away cleanly, the solutions lined up for the 1st race. The Solent didn't disappoint providing 1.5m chop.

Everyone got away cleanly with Ian Morgan giving the fleet a wave sailing masterclass leading from the beginning to the end of the hour-long race. Calshot's Mike Davis and LOSSC' own Richrd Gibbon battled it out for 2nd and 3rd respectfully. There was close racing in the middle of the fleet with many sailors swapping positions both upwind and down. Newcomer to the fleet Andy Bray suffered a capsize that resulted in the loss of his rudder taking him out of the remainder of race one and missing race two whilst sourcing a spare one on shore.

Race 2 got under way without the conditions abating, forcing three of the helms to give this one a miss. The 50ft committee boat cast a large wind shadow causing chaos with many sailors tipping into windward! Ian once again led the race followed by Mike Davis who was joined at the front by fellow Calshot member Colin Smedley who finished 3rd after sailing a fantastic race.

Lee-on-the-Solent Solution Open - photo © Jamie Robinson

Race 3 started as the wind speed increased to 20/25 sustained with gusts recorded of 27knots. This happened to coincide with the tide setting west to create a very uncomfortable wind over tide situation. Ian once again led the fleet, chased closely by Jon Steward who manged to capsize and turtle his boat on the run, taking himself from 2nd to 8th in the process. Phrases such as 'golly gosh' could be heard as the fleet passed his position. Mark Fox showed his heavy weather prowess and finished a very creditable 5th after surviving the course.

With the day's racing over, the fleet headed ashore for an evening in the LOSSC Club house for dinner and respite.

Lee-on-the-Solent Solution Open - photo © Jamie Robinson

Sunday morning provided more favourable conditions with the previously mentioned sunshine making a late but much appreciated appearance, although the breeze was still higher than forecast but had backed south easterly

Race 4 welcomed the return of Warsash' Steven Sherwood who had missed races 2 & 3 but was again led by, yes you guessed it, Ian Morgan who sailed his own race. Back in the main fleet, 2nd and 3rd places have been fought over by Mike, Jon, Richard and Andy Maskell who were all trading placed regularly. Jon snook ahead of Mike for 2nd, with Mike taking 3rd place

Lee-on-the-Solent Solution Open - photo © Jamie Robinson

Race 5 got away under black flag after a general recall due in part to the tide pushing the fleet over the line. Richard Brown who had been battling Martin Tubb mid fleet made a spectacular start on port crossing the fleet who had mostly elected to start on starboard. This time Mike worried Ian upwind and managed to lead the race downwind for a time, again very close racing with the main fleet with everyone playing snakes and ladders.

By the time race 6 started the tide had begun to turn and the sea state dropped off significantly but the fleet had shrunk to 8 as Ian, Andy B and Steven opted to beat the rush for the showers.

Lee-on-the-Solent Solution Open - photo © Jamie Robinson

Again, another incredibly close race in the solution fleet with anyone of 5 able to win at times. Andy Maskell sailed a fantastic race keeping close behind Mike and Jon who were taking turns at leading the race before sprinting past the pair on the final leg to the finish for a very well-deserved win.

The Solution fleet would like to thank Lee-on-the-Solent SC for hosting the event and providing prizes, the race officers and all those in supporting roles who made the event possible.

As tradition dictates this report was written by 3rd place, Jon Steward who must try harder!

See www.solutionclass.org for more information and future events.

Overall Results: