Solo Eastern Area Open at Rollesby Broad Sailing Club

Mid-Fleet for Race 1 during the Solo Eastern Area Open at Rollesby Broad © Ellie Edwards

Sixteen competitors faced a day of unpredictable, often testing conditions at the Eastern Area Solo Open hosted by Rollesby Broad Sailing Club on Saturday. With six visiting sailors joining the ten strong home fleet, the racing quickly proved both close and tactical.

Local knowledge helped in moments, but it was the visitors who consistently occupied the sharp end of the results. Positions changed constantly throughout the day, and several tie breaks were ultimately needed to separate the overall standings.

Race 1 began in a shifty westerly, and an early pile up at the windward mark allowed a handful of boats to escape. Jasper Barnham seized the opportunity, breaking clear and leading unchallenged to the finish. Godfrey Clark steadily closed the gap on the final lap but settled for second, with Chris Bunn taking third.

After a course change, Race 2 got under way in very light airs. Despite the wind being all over the place, Clark again emerged as an early leader, being able to extend this into a comfortable win. Daniel Bull, normally seen in his ILCA at Rollesby, handled his borrowed wooden Solo impressively, holding off Bunn for much of the race. However experience told in the final stages, and Bunn slipped past at the last mark to secure second.

Start of Race 3 at the Committee Boat End during the Solo Eastern Area Open at Rollesby Broad - photo © Ellie Edwards

Race 3 saw a developing sea breeze prompt a major course adjustment and the sailors set off after lunch down to the far end of the broad for a committee-boat start. Clark continued his strong form, taking his second win of the day. Barnham followed closely in second, while John Saddington used his knowledge of Rollesby's quirks to claim third.

Race 4 almost finished without any wind shenanigans until the final lap when the wind dropped further and swung more easterly. Barnham again claimed another race win after successfully holding off Bryan Morum, with Martin Brooking in third. With results extremely tight, competitors gathered eagerly as the Race Team calculated the final standings.

The overall winner was Jasper Barnham, representing Snettisham Beach. Godfrey Clark from Fishers Green was second overall. Chris Bunn completed the top three in third overall, representing Lady Yacht Club. The visitors rounded out the top six and first Rollesby Solo was Robert Hawkings, who finished seventh overall.

Event media can be found on the club's Flickr, Facebook and Instagram.

Overall Results: