Solo Northern Championship at Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club

Solo Northern Championship at Leigh & Lowton © Georgina

27 Solos attended L&LSC for their annual Solo Open Meeting and this year it was designated the Northern Championship, a one day event, due to Covid concerns. There was a light breeze that flicked back and forward, but generally stayed steady, but not a day for the heavyweights.

Race 1 started with a General Recall which was immediately countered with a black flag that calmed things down. The restart saw a charge to the windward mark that was won by yours truly, but that was the end of it.

Martin Honnor and Steve Denison immediately took up the challenge and it looked like a two horse race for the day. They finished in that order with Phil Barnes, a quick Tony Sampson and last minute Steve Graham sneaking into the top 5.

A big shout out to Justine Davenport who had to borrow Innes Armstrong's spare sail, and finished =7th (with Innes). Two boats crossing the finishing line at the same time with the same sail number!

Race 2 followed a similar pattern, but Innes Armstrong found the wind and picked the shifts and sailed to victory, with Martin and Steve following, while Nick Hornsby, and Tony Sampson (playing a blinder) making up the top 5.

A lunch break followed and 2 races back to back were sailed after lunch.

Race 3 - Now Stephen Graham showed his form and went on to win, chased by Innes (but no quarter being given by clubmates), Phil Barnes claimed third from Robin Dawson (Bass) and Alan Catto from the home club. (Robin had actually finished 2nd in the 2nd Race but was DSQ from both race 1 & 2, for failing to sail through the gate...it rather spoiled his day).

Race 4 - All to play for with three different race winners and good results from others.

A good start and all the favourites at the front at the windward mark. Unfortunately the mark had been moved due to oscillating wind direction, and had been laid 5 meters to the windward of a clump of weed. This meant that depending on direction of approach boats were "stopped in their tracks" and unable to tack. Martin Honnor escaped along with Martin Brennan and John Dixon, and after some tricky manoeuvres the fleet went in chase.

Martin H went on to win and seal the Championship, and John Dixon was flying in second, followed by the consistent Steve Denison and Martin Brennan showing his form. Innes Armstrong recovered to 5th, which overall gave him runner's up spot on the day, equal points with Steve, but with a race win.

A big thank you to all the Race Officials and club for holding the event.

Overall Results: