Solo Open at Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club

Chris Brown at the Chew Valley Solo open © Errol Edwards

R Presley of Cotswold Sailing Club at the Chew Valley Solo open © Errol Edwards

The Solo Open Meeting at Chew Valley Lake S.C. was held on Sunday 27th June in bright sunshine and a brisk westerly wind. There were 28 entries including 21 visitors. The Race Officer, Ralph Singleton, was obliged to postone the start of the first race for half an hour while, the then gentle wind, settled.

The prevailing westerly then inceased to a force 3-4 with the heavy weights "licking their lips" for a good day's racing. The course consisted of an Olympic triangle and sausage with spacer marks at both the windward and leeward marks in order to keep the fleet spread apart. This was a good decision as many were caught out at the windward mark near the shore where the wind was gusty and with vicious swings making for quick reactions. The reaching legs lead to spectacular planing and a great sight to see. Scott Allen was in the lead at the end of the first lap, followed by Chris Brown, Simon Jones and John Smalley of the host club. By the end of the race, Chris Brown had taken the lead with John Smalley overtaking both Scott Allen and Simon Jones to claim second place.

The second and third race were sailed back-to-back in the afternoon when the the wind had increased to force 4 gusting 5 testing the stamina and fitness of all competitors. Chris Brown took an early lead and won the race by a large margin. It was left to Scott Allen, Bob Taylor, Ralph Weller, last year's winner, and John Smalley to battle it out for the minor places. In the end, Scott Allen made second place, with John Smalley 3rd followed by S. Yates (Star Cross) and Bob Taylor from Corus.

Only half the fleet turned out for the last race as the wind increased to 5 to 6 with waves and white horses reminiscent of last year. Chris Brown was able to go ashore with knowledge he had won the event. Only ten Solos finished, the winner being Simon Jones clinching 2nd overall, with S.Yates 3rd, followed by Richard Gibson and Phil Milanes, which meant John Smalley had dropped to 3rd overall and 1st Chew boat.

Overall Results: