Jim Hunt wins Delph Solo Open

by Marc Starbuck on 10 Jun 2007 The nine visitors and eight home boats were greeted at Delph with bright sunshine – but almost no wind for the Delph SC Solo Open. After a suitable delay, Jim Hunt sailing the new Boon FRP Solo, went on to win all three races in a slowly improving breeze.

As the first race was supposed to be starting, the wind was teasing OD Kathryn Hayfield by filling in patches then disappearing again. Wisely the decision was made to postpone the first race until after lunch.

When the fleet did get going, in a patchy an very light winds, it was Jim Hunt who got away cleanly and built up a clear lead, pursued by Stephen Denison and John Gledhill. Jim didn’t have it all his own way, however, as the wind filled in from behind; with the leading group finishing very close together, with Hunt just holding off Denison and Gledhill.

The second race got away in slightly more wind, with even the odd helm managing to sit out for a few seconds at a time. Hunt again got away cleanly, and was never challenged to take a good lead by the finish. Chasing then down hard were Gledhill and Tony Wright; with Gledhill getting the better of Wright by the finish.

The third race started in a reasonable breeze on a slightly shortened course. Once again, Hunt took the race win; with Denison and Gledhill second and third. This gave the day to Hunt, followed overall by Denison then Gledhill; with Wright being the first Delph boat in fourth. The race team was thanked at the prize giving for making the most of the testing conditions.

Solo Final leading positions:
1. Jim Hunt - 4776, 2pts
2. Stephen Denison – 4327 - Hollingworth, 4pts
3. John Gledhill – 4751 – West Riding – 5pts
4. Tony Wright – 4568 – Delph – 8pts
5. Louis Moulden – 4666 – Delph – 10pts

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New Boon FRP Solo review:- http://www.sail-world.com/indexs.cfm?nid=32641