Hadron H2 Solent Trophy 2024 at Warsash Sailing Club

Start of race 2 - Hadron H2 Solent Trophy at Warsash © Keith Callaghan

Over the weekend of 5-6 October, Warsash Sailing Club hosted the popular annual H2 event for the Solent Trophy. The event was added extra spice as, this being the final event of the H2 season, the new Travellers Trophy series was also to be decided.

The forecast did not look very benign, with strong winds forecast for the Saturday and rain forecast for Sunday. Nonetheless, most of the top helms were there, with the notable exception of Inland and National Champion Josh Hamer.

The 15 to 20 knots plus breeze on Saturday brewed up a nasty short sea at the entrance to Southampton water, giving the competitors plenty of opportunity to test their wave riding technique.

Richard le Mare puts 'Alice' into orbit - Hadron H2 Solent Trophy at Warsash - photo © Keith Callaghan

Richard Leftley (Bowmoor SC), regular winner of this event in winds light or strong, was doubly keen to win as he needed first place to overhaul Josh Hamer for the Travellers Trophy but he had a problem called Richard Le Mare from the host club, sailing his sparkly purple 'Alice'. RLM is at the heavier end of the H2 spectrum and 'the harder it blows the faster he goes' is his motto. Having clocked 15 knots in 'Alice' in similar conditions it was no surprise to see RLM up there with RL in each of the four Saturday races - and winning three to RL's one.

Ever-consistent Steve Hendon (Blithfield SC) got between the two Richards in race 2 and finished third in each of the other races.

The weather on Sunday was much damper, with slightly less breeze and a more moderate sea state. This turned out to be crucial as it fell within the spectrum of Richard Leftley's domination. Three races were scheduled and RLM was not going to give up his lead without a fight. RL had a challenging situation - he was going to have to clock three wins in order to secure the event. And he did just that, with RLM notching up two second places and a fourth.

Once again it was Steve Hendon up there with the two leaders, posting 3,2,3.

Richard Leftley planes to victory - Hadron H2 Solent Trophy at Warsash - photo © Keith Callaghan

In common with many fleets of singlehander dinghies, crew weight plays a significant part in the results. This year's Nationals was a very light wind affair and resulted in the lighter helms being to the fore but when it blows the heavier chaps come into their own. This year has seen winners' weights ranging from 70kg to 115 kg.

So an exhausted Richard Leftley sailed back to the club knowing that he had won the Travellers Trophy as well as the Solent Trophy. Richard Le Mare finished in second place, just two points behind, with Steve Hendon third and Warsash SC member Adrian Williams in fourth place.

Warsash SC were the hosts of the very first H2 National Championships and we have visited the club every year since. Thanks to everyone who made our visit so enjoyable.

Richard Leftley (left) receives the Solent Trophy and Travellers Trophy from class captain Adrian Williams - Hadron H2 Solent Trophy at Warsash - photo © Keith Callaghan

Overall Results: