Solo Open at Island Barn Reservoir Sailing Club

Island Barn turned up trumps with the wind, and with its elevated position and high water it made for some interesting shifts and strong gusts for the eight boats.

The first race saw a rather biased Starboard line, with all the boats bunched at one end. Andrew Boyce (Papercourt) and one other were a little too eager and had to return, but after some place changing up the beat (repeat for all day) Fraser Hayden (Papercourt) led to the first mark. Pressure was offered by Tim Lewis (RYA), Simon Denham (Littleton), and Roger Bennett (Silver Wing) with plenty of close racing. Simon poked his nose out and was set to win, but Fraser scuppered that with a gust-assisted run to pass him on the last leg.

Solos at Island Barn Reservoir - photo © Jim Champ

The second race saw Fraser on the sweet spot on the start line but due to a miscalculation on a port/starboard incident, a 720 turn sent him to the back. Andrew took his turn to lead, chased by Tim, Roger and the pack. By the wing mark, the pressure seemed too much for Andrew and he chose to wash his sail, coincidently within a big squall. Roger also thought it was laundry day and had a quick wash, but soon emptied with a blinding reach to the leeward mark. Tim took advantage and led to the finish. Fraser made up for his earlier mistake and finished 2nd with Steve Jones (Littleton) enjoying his newer boat and the breeze to come through to 3rd, after he, Andrew, Roger and Simon all came into the last mark together in a squall.

In the third race, no great surprise for much place changing throughout the race, with Fraser taking the bullet, followed by Tim, Roger, Andrew, Simon, Steve and Sue Taylor (Silver Wing). Roy Newport (Papercourt) followed up in a slightly older boat, but intent on finishing.

Solos at Island Barn Reservoir - photo © Jim Champ

For the final race, held in a little less wind, it was time for Sue to be in prime spot on the start line. The pack was still hungry for honours, and this time Roger got his boat into gear and led for the race, followed by Tim, Fraser, Simon, Steve and Sue.

Thanks to all the Island Barn team for their hospitality, Jim Champ for some great photos, and to the other competitors for some really great, close racing.

And some more great photos are at www.flickr.com/photos/56735928@N05/albums/72157711101964556

Overall Results: