Solo class open meeting at Leigh-on-Sea Sailing Club

Race 2 winner Bryan Morum 4443 ahead of the chasing group during the Leigh-on-Sea Solo Open © Angie Smith

Chris Nunn takes the lead during race 3 ahead of Richard Knight 3909 during the Leigh-on-Sea Solo Open © Angie Smith

Chris Nunn wins the Mighty Oak Leigh-on-Sea Solo Open © Angie Smith

Six visiting soloists were greeted at Leigh on arrival with no water and a cool nor'eastery breeze bought on by a sun hidden under some high cloud. But as the morning heat increased so did the light breeze and the tide.

Nine local boats added to the fleet enjoyed a late breakfast before a briefing by Steve Corbet the race officer of the day. As of past events a trapezoid course was to be and as the boats left the shore towards the committee boat the sun came out and wind swung to the south east. A fabulous day's racing was ahead.

A biased committee boat end start line saw the fleet away without any incidents. A short beat to the windward mark was closely led by Chris Bunn (6067) from Jonny Wells (5597). All the usual crowd followed closely on the subsequent legs and challenging dead runs, Bunn covered the rest of the fleet to the finish and to take a deserving victory.

A course change was necessary as the wind marginally increase and veered further south. Brian Morum (4443) in one of the remaining entries from Saturday's Vintage Championship led from the start and extended throughout the 3 lapped course to finish first. Evergreen Vince Horey (6134) managed to keep the close group of 6 or 8 boats behind to come second. Wells came in third ahead of John Charles (3875), the 2025 Vintage Champion, in fourth.

So there was much to play for in the third and final race, by which time the tide had changed. The start line was now biased to the pin end and Richard Knight (3909) led the fleet away from the left on port tack. Normal service was resumed during the four following rounds and Bunn led the fleet home for the second time with Wells second from Horey and Morum.

A classic day's racing was enjoyed by all the competitors and after putting their boats away relaxed in the ambiance of the club house where BBQ food was served to all along with some cool beers.

After the results had been collated by the race officer the prize-giving was quickly followed and was introduced by the Solo Class Captain, Colin Walker who handed over to the clubs Commodore, Steve Barber. He welcomed the visitors and all to the Leigh Sailing Club and then presented the prizes to the winners who were.

Chris Bunn concluded the event by thanking all of the helpers in the club for making it such a well-run meeting.

Overall Results:

Royal Oak Brewery Trophy - Chris Bunn
First Leigh boat - John Charles