Solo Open at Teign Corinthian Yacht Club

Teign Corinthian Solo Open © Garnett Showell

Despite a poor weather forecast and the attraction of England's first World Cup rugby match on the TV, a strong turnout from home Club sailors and a number of visiting helms, including four from Chew Valley, meant that a highly respectable fleet of 19 boats took to the water at Coombe Cellars on Sunday 22nd September to contest the annual Teign Corinthian Yacht Club Solo Open Meeting (NSCA Western and Sea Series).

The forecast was for rain and a moderate breeze from the south. The rain duly arrived but the southerly wind, when it did materialise, was very light, fickle and shifty which would mean a difficult day ahead for the Race Officer and sailors alike.

Teign Corinthian Solo Open - photo © Garnett Showell

The light breeze settled from the SSW and a "sausage/triangle" course was laid across the river by the Race Officer, Sasha Karakusavic. The first race got under way but with a number of trigger-happy helms called OCC at the start. Nick Martindale (Chew Valley) led pretty much from start to finish with club mates Toby Peacock and Gary Bolton taking 2nd and 3rd places respectively.

The shifty light breeze was tending more to the south, so the windward mark was moved during Race 2. Martindale and Chris Meredith (Chew Valley) soon were able to open a sizeable lead with Peter Hearne (TCYC) holding what looked like a comfortable third place only to be caught and passed by Paul Tasker (TCYC) on the final lap.

Teign Corinthian Solo Open - photo © Garnett Showell

Further back, the fleet struggled with some mass windward mark roundings in a light, shifty breeze and ebbing tide.

Martindale and Meredith again dominated Race 3 with John Steels (Starcross YC) holding off the chasing fleet to take third place.

Teign Corinthian Solo Open - photo © Garnett Showell

With three straight wins, Chris Martindale (Chew Valley) was comfortably the overall event winner with Chris Meredith (Chew Valley) runner up and Toby Peacock (Chew Valley) third.

After racing, all the competitors and volunteers were treated to hot pasties, cakes and refreshments and the top three finishers were presented with splendid engraved teardrop glass trophies. Nick Martindale, on accepting his winner's trophy, was full of praise for the warm welcome the visitors had received at Coombe Cellars and the efforts of all the TCYC volunteers who had given their time and expertise to support this very successful event.

Overall Results: