Allen and CB Coverstore sponsored Midland area Solo Series at Carsington Sailing Club

Carsington Solo Open © Phil Munton

Eleven Solos participated in the 2026 Carsington open event which forms part of the Allen and CB Coverstore sponsored Midland area Solo Series. A lower than typical turnout but that was to be expected with a very cold and windy forecast.

On arrival there was definitely no shortage of wind and as the sailors blasted down wind to the start line in 20 knots there were some early swims as the sailors got familiar with the conditions.

Race 1

The wind settled as we went into the start procedure, no messing around from the RO as the U flag was straight up. Wilde and Swain hit the port end of the line and fought it out to the windward mark in a shifty wind. Wilde took the lead with Swain and Savitsky chasing. The top 3 stayed tight in the shifty wind but unfortunately Savitsky capsized on a tack then Wilde forgot about the triangle/sausage format leaving Swain to pull out a comfortable lead with Hawley and Short capitalising also. Swain took line honours, Hawley 2nd and Short 3rd.

Race 2

Carsington Solo Open - photo © Phil Munton

Big bands of wind and hail hit the lake taking the wind up to 25 knots. The Start favoured the Starboard end. Swain led the pack at the windward mark and pulled away as a tight pack followed. Wilde managed to close the gap to Swain to almost touching distance but as the wind howled Swain managed to pull away again after both went into irons trying to tack upwind. Savitsky managed to get past Wilde taking 2nd place from Swain.

Race 3

Starboard end was favourable again and Swain led the fleet however on the lay line to the mark he got flattened in a sizeable gust. Savitsky, Short and Wilde led with Swain trying to recover his submerged boat. For most of the day the 25 knot gusts never really hit the sailors at the gybe mark until now so it was show us your skills time, Savitsky had some, Wilde didn't and Short decided not to show us his by tacking round. With Wilde in the drink, Savitsky led from Short and a chasing Swain. In the lull Swain crept back into contention taking Short on the run and was soon on Savitsky's transom. Swain took the lead as the next band of wind punished the fleet. Swain finished 1st, Savitsky 2nd and 3rd Short.

Carsington Solo Open - photo © Phil Munton

Cold and tired sailors limped back in fighting the oscillating strong wind. In the clubhouse there were plenty of stories to tell and laughter had from the events of the day in what was survival conditions at times. Thank-you to the Race and Safety team who did a great job and everyone who participated/supported the event on not an ideal day. Congrats to Jonathan Swain for taking the event win with Alec Savitsky 2nd and Stephen Hawley in 3rd, well done.

Overall Results: