P&B Solo Western Series at Dittisham Sailing Club

Fighting for the win - P&B Solo Western Series at Dittisham © Will Loy

Sunshine, incredible breeze - bring it on, and we did!

Well, it was forecast to be windy with typical Dittisham sunshine, and both came in heaps! James Dodd assembled the sailors for the briefing, which he delivered with his fingers crossed behind his back that the wind wouldn't increase above 24knots. It certainly worked, however several sailors decided not to go.

Race 1 got under way with a tightly contested first beat. Steve Roberts was looking good however got hit by an enormous gust and managed to capsize on top of Giles Bradford. Having wrestled his way clear Giles managed to reach the windward mark in the lead. Sam Mogeridge went around second with Mark Williams third. By the end of the second leg Stuart Hydon managed to slide through into second. Giles held on to the first place followed by Stuart and Andy Matthews who managed to capitalise on the subsequent legs.

Race 2 started with Stuart winning the line and managing to hold the first beat. Giles rounded second. As the race progressed Sam pressurised Giles and Mark managing to power past on the up-wind legs. Stuart managed to extend his lead for a comfortable win, but the subsequent positions were all to play for. On the final downwind leg Giles managed slip past Sam to take second and third respectively. Mark came in fourth.

Leading lady, Jayne Morris - P&B Solo Western Series at Dittisham - photo © Will Loy

With two races gone and one final race to go, it was between Giles and Stuart to win the day. Once again Stuart owned the start, but Mark rounded just ahead of Stuart. Giles managed to wriggle his way through on the second beat and started to push Mark. Mark held his nerve and took line honours ahead of Giles. Stuart slipped into fourth as Sam also pulled through on the penultimate leg.

Thanks go to James Dodd, the race team and Terry Phillips for the organisation on the barbecue after racing. Final thanks to Pinnell & Bax for sponsoring the event and series.

More photos, courtesy of Will Loy: www.flickr.com/photos/194924056@N05/albums/72177720333592220

Please note the next event in the Western Series is the Welsh Championships at Llandegfedd SC on 23-24 May 2026; entry is open.

Top three places and First Lady - P&B Solo Western Series at Dittisham - photo © NSCA

Overall Results:

Winner's presentation to Giles Bradford - P&B Solo Western Series at Dittisham - photo © NSCA