National Solo Inland Championship at Grafham Water Sailing Club - Preview
by Will Loy, NSCA Publicity 18 Sep 2018 02:35 NZST
22-23 September 2018
Laurence Creaser © Will Loy
The splendid sailing arena that is Grafham Water Sailing Club host the National Solo Inland Championship this weekend (September 22nd-23rd) and with a pre-event Coaching Clinic fronted by Ross Harvey, the 19 trainees will hopefully be joined by another 70+ competitors for the main event.
While there maybe some notable absentees, it leaves the door wide open for a new Inland Champion and there are some big players itching for some glory. I cannot testify that those listed below will be present, I can at least "big them up" in the hope that they fulfil my prophesies.
Pete Mitchell, runner up at the Magic Marine Nationals and recently held Dutch Championship (ONK) is a man in form and has the North P2 working perfectly with the D+ Ovington combo. I do believe the P was named in honour of Pete but he swears it was in recognition of the venue it premiered at, Pwllheli. Top 3.
Ian Walters, showed he had lost none of his natural God given talent in the early season with wins at Northampton (Noble Marine Winters) and the Springs, Draycote Water though he has not been seen since the Nigel Pusinelli Trophy where he was conspicuous by his absence. Top 3 for me if he shows.
Ewan Birkin Walls, Walters stablemate at Grafham and another bloke with great talent and raw determination. Good in a blow or a zephyr, Ewan has had some new build issues, now resolved with the purchase of a nice second hand Winder.
Olly Davenport has been blowing hot and cold all year but no doubting the young lads skill and fitness is no issue. Nice to see the Poulson/P&B hull being exploited to its best and the P&B sail has a growing fan base. Just a little more consistency and self belief and he could bag another major. Top 5.
Vince Horey is fond of the P&B set up and is as comfortable winning races as he is standing on the centreboard, so you may see him do both this weekend with a favourable forecast.
Chris Brown has recovered from his operation and is leaner and meaner, on the water and in the bar. Chris is another major winner and is my tip for the top 3, don't let me down mate.
Nigel Davies, Draycote stablemate is back on the flat stuff and has been working hard to eradicate mistakes and maximise his potential. Nigel has shown some splashes of brilliance, just needs to avoid BFDs.
Ritchie Bailey had a stunning debut at the Nationals with 2 bullets and if he can borrow a trailer, and let's face it, why would you need one when you sail at HISC, he could do some damage to the egos and pecking order. Go Ritchie!
Andy Tunnicliffe surfaced at ONK and finished 4th in the field of fifty, the Impact Marine sail maker is clearly able to claim the trophy, probably needs more time in the Solo and less in the GP14.
Laurence Creaser has, by North Sails standards, had a season of high and lows, I omitted the plural on purpose. No one works harder in the boat and his Southern Area Champs win was no fluke. I suggest he thinks less and just relies on his natural talent, don't overthink it.
Big Dave Mitchell was back to his best in the Dutch Champ, giving his son a hard time and it is great to see sailors who I raced with 30+ years ago, still competing at the top level. Dave is hard as nails and will appreciate the forecast predicted on Wind Guru, let's hope it is correct.
Richard Lovering has been developing the Hyde Sails package, and after two champagne days at the Nationals was well placed to take the title. Unfortunately the lighter winds put an end to that dream but if Richard is at Grafham he will be a force to be reckoned with, my top 5 pick.
There are of course many other potential champions and it will be great to see another huge attendance by the Solo Class. Wind guru are currently predicting 21/31 mph for the coaching day which will be fun and for the main event, 10-13mph Saturday and a fresher 28mph on Sunday, I will not mention the gust prediction.
From my experience these forecasts tend to come through slightly earlier, so I predict nice and breezy both days with flipping strong gusts at night so tie your Solos down.
This will be Doug Latta's first event as President so do please make the effort to support him and the NSCA with your attendance. We will have a pro photographer on hand to capture the action.
Thanks to Noble Marine, our class insurer who keep us racing throughout our busy year and thanks also to Magic Marine, our clothing partner who support the NSCA via our Class Roots Initiative and Nation's Cup Sponsorship.