Solution open meeting at Emberton Park Sailing Club

Solution open meeting at Emberton Park © EPSC

A central location and hot weather attracted seventeen Solutions to the beautiful Emberton Park SC for their first open meeting of the year. This year is the 20th anniversary for the Solution class and the 70th anniversary of Emberton SC, so it was a fitting venue.

Day 1 started with hints of wind appearing randomly across an otherwise glassy water surface. By the afternoon, a vague direction could be discerned, enough at least to set a course, and the fleet got away with a surprisingly clean start. The boats then dispersed around the lake as everyone tried to anticipate where, and when, the next breath of wind would appear.

Col Smedley led for most of the race but was overtaken on the final downwind by Ian Morgan with James Jarvey in third. The variable wind saw a postponement for the second race, and then three course changes before finally getting under way. This time Col held on to the lead with James second and Ian third.

Solution open meeting at Emberton Park - photo © EPSC

For day two, the wind had increased slightly, and served up a full mix of gusts, lulls and direction changes, going from becalmed, to planing, and back to becalmed in minutes. After a chaotic start to race three, Jon Steward and Ian Morgan quickly took the lead and despite Jon leading for most of the race, Ian again managed to overtake at the last minute and take the race.

The start for race four developed from chaos into mayhem, with a number of boats over the line and others rafted in a becalmed huddle. Some managed to get away cleanly and scored their best results. Ian and Jon again took first and second with Richard Brown third.

Havoc on the start line? - Solution open meeting at Emberton Park - photo © EPSC

The course was changed for the final race to give a long first beat diagonally across the lake. By now, the wind had picked up, and so had the punchiness of the gusts. Jon again took the lead and this time held on to it, winning the race. Ian was second and James third.

At the end of the event, Ian Morgan's consistency paid off and he took first overall, Jon Steward' strong second day was enough to give him second. Col Smedley took third, James Jarvey fourth and Tom Whittingham, another consistent performer, was fifth.

As a small, inland lake surrounded by trees, Emberton was always going to be a good test of boat handling. Penalty turns and near misses abounded, but everyone left happy and damage free. Thanks to EPSC for the warm welcome, close racing and wonderful food.

Solution open meeting at Emberton Park - photo © EPSC

Overall Results: