Solo Open at Fishers Green Sailing Club

Fishers Green Sailing Club held their annual Solo Open Meeting on Sunday 8th May 2022. The forecast was for variable conditions with prevailing wind from a north easterly direction. This was proven to be the case with winds varying from a force 2 / gusting force 3 on occasions.

It was pleasing to see 25 entrants on the start line which included 16 club members. For Fishers Green Sailing Club another good attendance, and thanks go to all who travelled alongside club members. Before racing commenced I did a tour of the the boat park, "It is good to return to a venue where historically numbers do travel to and it is well supported by the home fleet. An opportunity to meet up with fellow Solo helms and compete away from my home club within a large and competitive fleet."

A three race event gave the opportunity to discard one result. With north easterly winds, part of the lake is sheltered from the breeze. The Race Officer was however able to set good courses during the day including long start lines and courses that included two beats, a reach and more or less a dead run which was liked by all.

Fishers Green Solo Open - photo © Kevin O'Brien

Race 1

Light winds and a pin-ended favoured start. A clean start by all and a predominantly starboard sided beat to the windward mark followed by a dead run and another starboard sided beat before a long reach back to the leeward mark. A three lap race. Tom Gillard (6021) led from the start followed by local helms Steve Barrett (5206) and Paul Rayson (5181). Thereafter gains were made / lost on each leg of the course as the windspeed varied and slightly changed direction. Towards the end of the race local knowledge prevailed, with Paul finishing first closely following by Graham Sexton (6015) in second also from FGSC and Tom in third.

Fishers Green Solo Open - photo © Kevin O'Brien

Race 2

This race started in a fair breeze. A clean start again with a committee boat favoured end. A similar course to that set in Race 1, with windward mark changes to ensure that the fleet remained in the prevailing wind. Another 3 lap race. Mark Maskell (6007) initially led for the first lap and a half closely by Tom and Vince Horey (6010). Again positions were gained / lost especially on the run as helms searched for the breeze. Tom (6021) prevailed in this race with a first place and a big lead. He was followed by Vince (6010) in second and Graham (6015) in third.

Fishers Green Solo Open - photo © Kevin O'Brien

Race 3

Slightly stronger wind conditions remained with a clean start and a similar course to that set for Race 2. Another committee boat end favoured end. As the fleet progressed up the first beat the conditions became tricky - gusts of wind alongside numerous changes in direction. A long beat / long run followed by another short beat and long reach to the leeward mark. Positions in this race at the front were more or less stable with Tom (6021) finishing first followed by Steve Bishop (5649) in second and Vince (6010) in third. Vince's result was subject to a protest which was upheld which then gave Mark (6007) the 3rd position.

Fishers Green Solo Open - photo © Kevin O'Brien

Overall, another successful Solo Open Meeting enjoyed by all and a credit to those at Fishers Green Sailing Club for their organisation and hospitality. It is always great to be competing on the water within a large and competitive Solo Fleet away from respective home clubs.

Overall Results: