Solo class Southern Area Series at Frensham Pond Sailing Club

On 11th May, Frensham Pond Sailing Club staged their 2025 Solo Open Meeting as part of the Superspars Solo Open Series. A total of 28 boats took part in what was another record for the Solo fleet at Frensham.

The Weather Gods helped with a warm, sunny day and winds of Force 3-5 winds from the East in the morning, gradually dropping later and veering. In normal Frensham style the shifts were enormous but what else can you expect if you're surrounded by trees.

Race 1 saw Bryan Taylor in 6000 and Richard Harding in 6104 from the host club leading the way round the first lap, only for Bryan to fall in at the beginning of the second. Chris Brown in 6135 from Daventry pushed Richard hard initially but was eventually overtaken by Simon Derham (5393) and they finished in this order. The race featured a number of capsizes with gusts of Force 5 or so giving some exciting planning.

Race 2 was sailed back to back. Chris Brown led at the first mark, but the wind tended to veer to the ESE and as before there were big shifts and places could be made or lost by simply going the right way. Bryan Taylor, recovered from his previous dip, came through to second with Papercourt's Fraser Hayden (5693), who must know the pond almost as well as the locals, third.

Lunch was then partaken.

Race 3 and 4 were sailed after lunch and were again back to back. The wind was dropping although there were still a few gusts to be wary of. A good race was had by Simon Lomas-Clarke (5258) and Taylor with the former coming out on top. Keith McQuillin (3812) from Spinnaker SC was third with Chris Brown in fourth. Keith's compatriot Ian Matthews in 6112, who won the pot for the last two years, capsized in this one' which rather ruined his defence of the cup.

At this stage, Chris Brown held an overall lead but the final race turned out to be the decider.

With the wind dropping further, Race 4 saw Simon Derham leading at the first mark, followed by Richard Willetts (4978) and Bryan Taylor. After yet more shifts, Bryan passed Richard who also let Fraser Hayden by. Chris Brown had a disastrous first lap and ended up back in the pack, which left the gate open for Bryan Taylor to take the pot, from Chris Brown, Simon Derham, Simon Lomas-Clarke and Richard Harding.

Many thanks to Magic Marine and CB Coverstore & Trailers Solo specialist for their additions to the prize fund.

Overall Results: