Allen Solo Midland Series event at South Staffordshire Sailing Club

Allen Solo Midland Series event at South Staffordshire © James Croxford

Allen Solo Midland Series event at South Staffordshire ©James Croxford

14 boat joined us to race in the annual South Staffs Solo Open Meeting 2025, sponsored by Allen Sailing and CB Boat Trailer and Cover Store.

In typical South Staffs style the winds were up, down and all around, giving PRO Mike Senior and team a real challenge for the day.

Race 1 got under way cleanly with Neil Wilkinson taking an early lead, clearly keen to reclaim the trophy for a second year. However it was Jonathan Woodward (WooWaa to those that know him) who was able to squeeze through and take the lead before establishing a healthy gap.

Neil began a trip back into fourth place by race end, allowing Samuel Bailey to take a substantial recovery after being lost mid-fleet from an appalling start and Jamie Cuxson to take positions 2,3 respectively.

Allen Solo Midland Series event at South Staffordshire - photo © James Croxford

Race 2 was held back-to-back with the fleet again keen to get away. Those opting for the left hand side of the beat reaped the benefits as the wind filled in as the fleet approached the windward mark. This time it was the turn of South Staffs sailor, Chris White, to join the front runners after recently joining the solo fleet in the past year.

White and WooWaa exchanged places for several legs before WooWaa again managed to extend a healthy gap. The pairing reminded in positions 1,2 for the rest of the race with Samuel Bailey taking third and Shustoke SC sailor Olly Saunders finishing fourth.

Lunch was then served under glorious sunshine where the fleet had time to relax and calculate that five boats now had the potential to claim 2nd overall. The race was on for race 3 with WooWaa opting to watch from ashore!

Allen Solo Midland Series event at South Staffordshire - photo © James Croxford

Back on the water, race 3 got under way cleanly with the majority of the fleet opting for pin end. The wind quickly shifted and filled in from the left allowing those that 'got it' to fetch the windward mark!

Out in front was Chris White, Neil Wilkinson, Olly Saunders, Jonny Coate, Jamie Cuxson. The group battled for the entire race with too many place changes to count. Nobody was safe! They established an almost leg lead over Samuel Bailey who was left foating behind them in no wind. However the wind filled in for Bailey on the final downwind legs allowing him to catch up with the front runners as they entered the final beat.

Bailey was able to spot wind filling in from the right with Olly Saunders keen to protect his position and followed Bailey to the right. Jonny Coate was able to finally claim 1st place as the group crossed the line with Jamie Cuxson securing second.

Allen Solo Midland Series event at South Staffordshire - photo © James Croxford

However it was Bailey who saw the biggest gains and managed to steal third place from his right hand wind shift with Saunders in fourth, White in fifth and Wilkinson in 6th! What a steal!

However it was Jonathan Woodward who took the overall victory with two bullets. Jonny Coate successfully won second place overall with Jamie Cuxson in third.

Jon not only won his name on this year's trophy but he also took home the position of South Staffs Solo fleet captain. Thank you Jon. We wish you all the best in your new role!

Allen Solo Midland Series event at South Staffordshire - photo © James Croxford

Overall Results:

A big thank you to our race and galley team for running the event. And to exiting fleet captain, Andy Rogers, for all the hidden event organisation.

And another big thank you to this years event sponsors Allen Sailing and CB Boat Trailer and Cover Store.