Solo Northern Series Open at Elton Sailing Club

Elton Solo Open © Dave Scott

Sponsored by Winder Boats & Impact Marine

The final open of the season was held at the weekend, with a few key people missing it was going to be an exciting event.

The fleet was held for a short time to let the wind fill in which was forecast. The first race got under way and local sailor Darren Neild made the best start at the committee boat end. It was going to be tricky to pick the best way up the first beat, but local sailor Darren nailed the first beat and led at the windward mark, which was difficult to get round because it was under the lee shore, followed by Andy Carter. These two fought closely throughout the race, with various place changes behind them. On the last beat Darren pulled away and took the win followed by Innes Armstrong, who chose the right way to go to pass Andy Carter who finished in third.

The second race was back-to-back with the wind gradually increasing. Denison made a good start and pulled away on the first beat to take a substantial lead at the first mark. Whilst behind a game of snakes and ladders was being played, one minute second, the next fifth. Denison's lead fell apart when capsizing downwind blaming his kicker. This allowed Carter to take the win followed by Norris and Armstrong.

Elton Solo Open - photo © Dave Scott

The fleet came ashore for lunch. A nice steak pie and chips was awaiting them, and lunch was enjoyed whilst watching Team INEOS doing their best in the America's Cup.

The third race started with places to play for overall. This was going to be an interesting race with the gusty wind making it even more interesting. The fleet settled down after a tricky 1st beat. The first round the windward mark were Hornsby, Carter and Restall, all was fine until the lead power-boat led those three to the wrong mark, leaving Denison to take the lead. Then the wind really kicked in and a massive squall came through and nearly wiped the fleet out keeping the rescue boat busy again. Only a few survived with not many finishing the race. Denison and Darren were 1 and 2 with Carter in 3rd.

The overall win for the day went to home sailor Darren Nield with Carter taking Silver and Dension Bronze. And the overall Solo Northern Series 2024 winner is Innes Armstrong.

Podium winners at the Elton Solo Open (l-r) Andy Carter 2nd, Darren Neild 1st, Stephen Denison 3rd - photo © Innes Armstrong

A great prize-giving was held with much thanks to the sponsors - Winder boats and Impact Marine for the Northern Series again. A big thank you to Innes and Justine for running the series this year, now handing the series over to Nick Hornsby. Another exciting year for the Northern series awaits in 2025. Hope to see you all on the water again.

Overall Results: