Solo 2025 Southern Series and Thames Series Open at Chipstead Sailing Club

Solo Southern Series and Thames Series Open at Chipstead © Chipstead SC

We would like to thank the Southern Series sponsors Super Spars and CB coverstore & trailers Solo Dinghy Specialist and the Chipstead Solo Open sponsors Pinnell & Bax and Sailing Chandlery.

A huge thank-you also to as always very professional John Masters, the OOD and the rest of the race hut team, and of course the safety boat drivers and crews who had quite a lot to do throughout the day. We must not forget a thank you to Rob Trend who organised the catering and Liz and Rita who looked after us so well throughout the day in the galley.

Four races took place over the day with clear blue skies, in, gusty, shifty wind conditions 20+ knots blowing down the lake.

Solo Southern Series and Thames Series Open at Chipstead - photo © Chipstead SC

The first race started with a 23 strong fleet started first time and the pin end was the place to start. Local boats Richard Ball, 5595 and Dave Rudman, 5760 were right up in the mix on the first beat but quickly 6007, Mark Maskell established a lead followed by Chris Brown, 6135, Fraser Hayden, 5693 and Dave R all changing places as the pressure and shifts came through. Fast downwind legs made it an exciting race and the gybe proved to be interesting for many! Chris B overtook Mark M and led after lap 1. By the end of lap 2 Fraser H had worked himself up into the lead followed by Chris B which they held to the finish. Dave Rudman was in 3rd place but a capsize on the final beat and dropped down to 5th allowing Nigel Bird, 5903 to come through to 3rd, with Mark M in 4th.

Race 2 started with 18 boats, the increased wind speed and power of gusts putting off a few of the local Chipstead sailors. The fleet started far tighter with no one getting away. Nigel B. led followed by Chris B. James Hart,539 the Chipstead fleet captain had a much more confident start and was in 3rd place after the first lap. Nigel B and Chris B maintained their positions throughout the race, but it was close Nigel having to cover Chris right to the finish line. On lap 2 Fraser H came through pushing James H back into 4th place which he held till the finish ahead of Dave R and Jamie Clementson, 6015. Sadly 3 Chipstead boats had technical issues and had to retire.

Solo Southern Series and Thames Series Open at Chipstead - photo © Chipstead SC

So, after 2 races Hayden F and Chris B were tied. Dave R was the first Chipstead boat. The wind seemed to calm over the lunch period; lulling a false sense of security.

Race 3 started with 16 boats; 2 were being repaired. The wind had picked up again. Chris B led Feaser H at the first mark and this remained the position till the end of the race, although Fraser made up significant ground by the final leg so Chris had to cover him to maintain his lead right to the finish. James H was up there, but after doing turns for a slight collision with Richard B dropped back to 10th, with Dave R in 4th after lap 1. Lap 3 was a strong lap for Nigel B and Richard Southern, 5563, who came 3rd and 4th respectively, pushing Dave R back in into 5th.

The Open was all to play for in the last race with the top 3, Fraser having 1st, 2nd and 3rd, Nigel having a 1st and two 3rds, but Chris just leading with a 1st and two 2nds.

Solo Southern Series and Thames Series Open at Chipstead - photo © Chipstead SC

The wind calmed a little, and the course was changed slightly in the 4th race providing an improved reach using mark H. A few severe gusts did come through. The fleet started with 14 boats. Fraser H led and was ahead through to the finish. Although Nigel B was in 2nd after lap 1 he was passed by Chris B on lap 2 who maintained that to the finish. Richard B was the first Chipstead boat after lap 1, but capsized, so too did James H. Dave R secured his best position, 4th place.

What a great day and thank-you to the 9 visitors who attended. Wind, sometimes very challenging lead to great racing for many. At least The most dramatic capsize was 3847 just before the finish of race 4 which annoyingly lost him four places; although James H nearly pitch poled into the north shore, lap 1 of race 4.

Solo Southern Series and Thames Series Open at Chipstead - photo © Chipstead SC

Prize giving was held, followed by birthday celebrations for Maria, our first ever female competitor at a CSC Solo Open, and the National Solo Association Southern Area representative who has worked so hard over the year to promote and support all the Open events, increase numbers of competitors, and secure the series sponsorship.

Overall - Fraser H was 1st with 4 points, Chris B 2nd on 5, and Nigel B 3rd on 7. In addition to wine, each received racing gloves and vouchers from P&B, and a 5 litre dry bag from Sailing Chandlery. Dave Rudman was the first Chipstead boat coming 4th overall on 14 points so received the Chipstead Solo Open trophy.

Fraser said kind words saying Chipstead is possibly most friendly and welcoming club on the circuit. Afterwards a small feast of home made cakes and snacks were available whilst competitors chatted, listened to music and enjoyed the bar.

Overall Results: