Xalient Solo Nation's Cup at Circolo vela Bellano - Preview
by Nederlandse Klasse / NSCA 14 Jun 15:13 BST
21-25 June 2025
NSCA Vice President utilises the Impact/Boatyard at Beer combo © Will Loy
It has been a comparatively quiet season so far this year with lower than normal turnouts due in part to inclement forecasts and of course the rising cost of living but I would suggest the UK wide popularity of the Solo, a regional fixture list longer and more expansive than my elasticated trouser belt and the inevitable event clashes are the main culprit.
Fortunately there is only one Solo event in Italy this year and given that every other class has decided to go to Lake Garda, the venue of Lake Como has at least ensured we get a big fleet and with 63 entries and counting, it promises to be THE biggest Solo Championship of 2025.
The Nation's Cup traditionally switches between the UK and Dutch fleet and this year is organised by the Dutch Class Association who continue to grow in numbers and strength, boasting 34 athletes, all of which think they can win, though they may protest that they are only there for the beer.
Last year's Champion of both Nation's Cup and UK National titles, Pim van Vugt is missing, more than lightly putting another Olympic campaign together but his legacy is evident in both the quality of the squad and the razor sharp focus to detail the sailors are applying to their racing machines. Combine these factors with the Dutch nation's 'God given' physical attributes and you have a perfect storm for success.
Match that to the standard UK representative, less than two metres in height but two metres wide and you can understand why the sensible money is for a Dutch win.
Before I expand on the sailors chances individually, and to be honest, unless you are a Solo sailor or close relative you may want to jump that part of this editorial, we must first introduce the you to the venue.
Bellano is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Como in the Province of Lecco in the Italian region Lombardy and this event is hosted by the Circolo Vela Bellano Sailing Centre.
A welcome from the Dutch Solo Class President
"The Nations cup is the yearly top event of the amazing and growing Solo class. That is where sailors from the two Solo countries UK and Holland battle for the "European" title. Turn by turn organized by the Brits and the Dutchies and the Dutch Solo class association decided to reach out to the South to find good weather, a wonderful venue, the kindest people in the world to organise the races and top socials with good food and drinks. No country is better in that than....... Italy! "
"65 sailors will race from Sunday 22 June to Wednesday 25 June and they will live the "Bella Vita" for a short week. Many of them come earlier, stay longer and bring friends and family for a short holiday, combined with Solo sailing on a high level. Live doesn't become any better than that!"
Ciao, Paolo - Presidente del Dutch National Solo Class Association.
And the club say...
Bellano is a beautiful village on the borders of Lake Como. Join Us at Circolo Vela Bellano - A Sailing Paradise on Lake Como! Nestled on the shores of stunning Lake Como, Circolo Vela Bellano invites racers to experience one of the most breathtaking sailing destinations in the world. Picture sparkling blue waters, lush green mountains, and a reliable daily breeze—this is a sailor's dream come true. From March to October, enjoy the steady thermal breeze from the south (Breva) in the afternoons, offering perfect sailing conditions with winds averaging 8 to 15 knots and the lake's signature wave patterns. On days with a northern gradient wind (Tivano), prepare for thrilling conditions with wind speeds ranging from 10 to 30 knots, often making the mornings the most exhilarating time to sail. Don't miss the chance to race in this idyllic setting—your next unforgettable adventure awaits at Circolo Vela Bellano!
Hopefully the thermal induced 'Breva' will provide the perfect racing arena for the competitors. My one worry is that there seems to be quite a detailed list of instructions on finishing time limits in the event NOR, my guess would be that the wind has a habit of shutting off when the nearby mountains core temperature drops below optimum.
The tourist board say...
"The town itself is medieval, narrow streets providing escape from the strength of the mid day sunshine."
I will confirm and elaborate on the town and it's restaurants when I arrive in just over a week but for now this gives you an idea. Chris Brown, the UK's leading Gelato expert will be sampling many of the delicious products, his last trip to Italy was a culinary disaster for him, trapped in an Italian dormitory with only a kidney stone and a thinly moustached nurse for company.
Should any of the competitors wish to pray for more wind, less wind or hurt to their competitors then the wonderfully gothic church of Saints Nazaro and Celso is the place to go, though careful what you wish for.
British hopes
On to the hotshots and first to the UK squad who currently number 29 but there is usually a few last minute entries.
Tom Gillard will be pushing his North sail powered Winder 1 hard as the highest seeded UK sailor though he has had a quiet start to the season by his standards, highly capable in all conditions.
Conversely, Alexander Butler has had a fast start to the season, winning the Springs at HISC and following it up with a second at the Southerns at Lymington. Granted, both tidal locations and none of that nonsense here.
Chris Devito Brown has opted for the Winder 1 this season and powered with the tweaked North F4 and plenty of ice cream, hopes to rekindle the form that saw him win the Inland Championship a few years back.
Paulo Davis (Vice President UK) continues to keep his new build under lock and key, therefore opting for his Boatyard at Beer/Impact Marine rocket ship. Ultimately, the pressure of providing witty evening speeches on behalf of the UK may affect his overall result but he is good for a bullet.
Vincenco Horey was born somewhere near Tottenham but, oblivious to other road users, gate boats and outer distance marks, has all the traits of a classic Italian. The ability to grasp defeat from a position of victory, you could write a play about his tragedies.
Chris Bunn had a blinder last season but, like a golfer winning the Open and then revisiting his/her swing plane has not shined quite so bright. Allegedly he has switched to the new Allen spars and I do hope he has acquired a kevlar helmet after nutting his boom at the Welsh Championship a few months ago.
Mattao Frary is a handy sailor in the breeze, no surprise as he is based in the flattest county in the UK and so he will hope the weather forecast shows some big high pressure over western Europe in the next few weeks.
Marco Lee is based out of Weymouth which is a bit like saying he is based out of Hayling Island. Those clubs do not accept muppets and rubbing shoulders with other top athletes only improves your mindset. One of my favourites to photograph and has single-candidly made wrap-around sunglasses acceptable on the water. Also, his Dad used to race mine so there is a love.
Adriano Griffin has been Salcombe's fleet captain for at least 60 years and I want to know the secret to his youthful looks and cheerful demeanour. He still has yet to unlock the dark art of sailing fast but maybe he lets Law, Fells and Chubby win at Salcombe, the winner has to buy the beers after all.
Roger Guess is a fellow Salcombe squad member and I am unsure where the rest are since the glorious backdrop and plethora of restaurants is right up their cul de sac. Pretty handy and I love his gunboat grey livery.
Maria Franco Ferro (female) is our only lady but she packs a punch and also has the most latino name in the squad. Racing a Winder 1 I would suggest and I will confirm mast and sail choice once on location.
Stefano Denison will be here on business as the Winder Boats long time jockey but has sneaked his wife along so will face the age-old dilemma of keeping builder and keeper happy. Fortunately Steve is talented and romantic so it should be easy.
God'freido' Clark is a last minute entry and his presence on the crowded start line will put the fear of God into anyone who treasures their hull's structural integrity. That said, Godfrey is as light as a Europe's carbon boom and therefore a hot prospect if it is a light wind regatta.
Some of the Dutch fleet...
Menno Huisman is a man with the intensity of a halogen headlight which can be annoying if you are coming the other way but, blessed with the standard Dutch 'Giant' DNA and a Hollywood smile Tom Cruise would be proud of is will prefer a windy event.
Ted Bakker bucks the trend of those boringly tall muscular males but this man is an animal in the Solo and has no fear. Talented in light or heavy air and great in front of the camera, my pick for the top 6 which means his brother Maurice and father Roel will have to finish at least fourth and fifth to beat him.
Hans Duetz has Olympian blood and the frame you could construct a barn around, I am still bewildered how he gets under the modern Solo raked rig, slow motion replays to come. Soft of voice but as determined as a freight train carrying lots of heavy stuff.
Saskia Arnold is my pick for not only best of the ladies but also, potentially Nation's Champion 2025. She showed Pim van Vugt her transom on a few occasions last year and if the wind stays at a nice 5-12 knots, she WILL be hard to beat.
As a point of interest to the UK fleet, I did note at last years Dutch Championship the devastatingly fast technique adopted by their front-runners of sitting forward of the thwart upwind when the wind was light. I look forward to seeing our less agile sailors try that.
Marleen Gaillard could be Saskia's nemesis, showing good speed on all points and with a small weight advantage which could prove critical if it's a little windier.
Anja Koldewijn, Jacqueline Poiesz and Annemieke Beemster. I have to mention all the ladies as the level of skill, strength, stamina and determination required in a fleet predominately made up of males is valiant. It is just a shame the UK could not muster a few more ladies, you are out there!
Paul de Geus (Class Chairman NED) will be busy off the water but I do hope he can compartmentalise his duties, such is his talent in the boat. I believe he is still campaigning the GOAT Solo and showed some good speed at ONK last September. It would be fitting for him to win at least one race.
Floris Eijsink used to campaign a very ancient wooden Solo but has switched up to a FRP hull and it will be interesting to see his improvement. The tall (no surprise) Dutchman always looks happy and no more so when he is racing in a fleet of like-minded competitors who are firstly friends.
There may well be some big names in the Dutch squad, they do keep their cards close to their buoyancy aids but we will soon know.
Ten races are planned over the four days starting with the opening round of drinks on Saturday 21st June. The Dutch and club have organised some great post race evening entertainment and the team of media experts are primed to capture all the action. Still time to get there and still accommodation available so make a memory for a lifetime... or until we go again.
It is also only just over a month until the UK Solo National Championship and North Berwick is a hive of activity.
While the Fringe Festival will provide entertainment for all tastes, the real action will be on the water so enter, book your campervan/tent spot and join the Solo fleet for a week of action and drama.
See you in Como first though.