Solent Scow Championship at Bembridge Sailing Club

Sixteen Solent Scows entered the re-scheduled Solent Scow Championship organised this year by Bembridge SC with RIB assistance from Brading Haven SC on Saturday evening.

Unlike the originally programmed day (26 July) when racing could not take place due to strong winds, conditions were really rather pleasant with a F3 SSW breeze. Dictated by the tides the 18:30 start seemed quite popular and drew out the best Scow sailors from both Clubs. Half way through the start sequence the breeze veered to the right so the sequence was stopped and the AP was displayed. Fortunately this directional change made Pepe a perfect windward mark. After a good start, the beat to Pepe proved a challenge.

Start of the first race

Oliver Morgan (638), Anne Barlow (637) and Martyn Davis (618) rounded Pepe pretty close together with quite a gap to the chasing fleet lead by Mike Toogood (629). Although the run to Garland and then to Nainby, saw a few place change in the main fleet, the short beat back to the finish was certainly quite testing and required lots of concentration. Despite considerable pressure from Anne and Martyn, Oliver held his nerve and crossed the line ahead of his two nearest rivals. Mike was fourth.

Solent Scow Championship at Bembridge - photo © Jonathan Hoare

With a couple of minutes to go to the start of the second race, the light breeze veered to the west which meant that Pepe was no longer a very good windward mark. With time ticking by, the ROs took the risk and although not strictly allowed in the rules 'verbally' changed the windward leeward course with Old Church becoming the windward mark for the initial beat. After something of a log jam at the Committee Boat end of the line, the fleet settled down and split tacks as they endeavoured to find the best route to Old Church.

Start of the second race

Unfortunately Mike Toogood who did not hear the course change sailed half way to Pepe before realising that everyone else was rounding Old Church. There was some very close racing between the top three from Race 1 and any one of them could have won. In the event Anne got the better of Oliver and finished about four boat lengths ahead with Martyn a similar distance behind in third. Francesca Morgan (646) was fourth.

Solent Scow Championship at Bembridge - photo © Jonathan Hoare

With the breeze dying and the sun already set, it was nearly dark by the time the last BHYC Scow was back at their Club! But all agreed that it had been a very competitive and fun evening. On count back (both had a first and a second) Anne was this year's champion as her first was in the second race. Martyn was third, and having been awarded redress as a result of the mix up in the second race Mike Toogood was fourth. Francesca was fifth.

Overall Results: