Southern Series Solo Open - Jowett conquers all
by Richard Greenwood on 30 Apr 2010
Richard Greenwood
The Southern Series Solo Open meeting at Bewl Valley Sailing Club attracted thirty-one entrants, including fifteen from the local Bewl Solo fleet. In addition to the welcome sight of a full lake following last summer’s low water levels, entrance included a succulent bacon bap and drink.
The weather was beautiful, bright sunshine under blue skies with a south to south-easterly shifting wind with a hint of sea breeze.
Following a short discussion, it was resolved that two results of the three races, one before lunch and two in the afternoon, would count.
After an initial delay due to difficulties securely anchoring the race officer’s boat, race one got away headed by Will Loy. Loy led the race before being overtaken by Vanda Jowett on the second leg of the sausage, who then held on to win ahead of Godfrey Clark and Will Loy. A finishing order that was to become familiar throughout the day.
Race two after lunch saw Clark lead the pack with Jowett in hot pursuit. Once again, Jowett came to the fore to take the race, ahead of Clark and Loy.
As the wind had shifted from south to south east, the final race was delayed to allow adjustments to the course. When the race started several boats were OCS, including star of the day Jowett, who eventually crossed the finishing line first yet again. However, her disqualification allowed Clark to take first place, followed by Mike Wilkie and Loy.
Race three also saw a strong showing from local Solo fleet member, Martin Allen, who headed the race at the first and second marks, before dropping to third place on the trapezoid. As the race progressed, Allen slipped to seventh place before rallying strongly to finish fifth and twelfth overall for the day.
Excluding discards, the meeting was won by Jowett, with Clark second and Loy third.
Even though the calendar said 24 April, the blue skies and blazing sun at Bewl meant the well-organised event was definitely a day for slip-slap-slop.
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/69028