Solo open meeting at Bala Sailing Club
by John Hunter 23 Jun 2022 06:28 NZST
18 June 2022
Solo open meeting at Bala © John Hunter
The day started with a NE Force 2 breeze that increased slightly throughout the day. Simon Lewis the race officer decided to run three back-to-back races from a committee boat start down the lake.
The first race got away with a clean start with Miles Thomas from Shropshire SC swapping places up the beat with Gary Darch from Bala SC. Gary rounded the windward mark first followed by Miles and Dave Grube, Bala SC. Miles stayed with Gary down the run and along the reaches on this beautiful lake in full Bala sunshine and eventually passed Gary up the second beat winning the race by some margin.
The second race started in an increased breeze but a bit shifty. At the start signal Miles shouted, "Oh was that the start?"
This time it was Dave Grube first to the windward mark closely followed by Miles and Richard Allen. Dave kept the lead until the last couple of minutes before the finish of the hour-long race just being pipped at the finish by Miles.
Well done Miles coming from last boat starting to winning the race in a very competitive fleet.
The third and final race was very closely fought out with most boats taking the lead at some point. Gary Darch led the race for the last lap only to be passed by Miles on the last and final short beat to the line. All boats finishing within 60 seconds after an hour-long race.
Excellent courses, excellent competitive racing, no recalls, no protests, just great friendly banter on the water.
At the prize-giving Miles thanked Bala SC for putting on a great Solo Open and getting the fleet back at Bala again after a long break. He promised to spread the word on his Solo Open travels that Bala is back!
Really enjoyable event, roll on 2023.
Results:
1st Miles Thomas
2nd Gary Darch
3rd Dave Grube