Solo Midland Area Series at South Staffordshire Sailing Club

Second overall, Jonathan Woodward - Solo Midland Area Series at South Staffs © Martin Warburton

Round 3 (I think) of the Solo Midland Area Series, sponsored by Allen and CB Trailer and Coverstore, took place at South Staffs SC on Saturday 16th May. Eleven home boats were joined by five visitors, on an overcast day with the promise of light to moderate breeze in the forecast. As things turned out we didn't see much of the moderate breeze, and battle was done in light and shifty conditions often seen on Gailey lower reservoir.

Race officer John Billington set a classic South Staffs "tour of the pond" course, which incorporated two upwind legs to ensure a tactically demanding race.

The race one start sequence took place in very light breeze, however as the time ticked down some sailors spotted a bit of pressure developing on the left. Jonny Coate, Martin Honnor and Chris White started at the pin end, all tacking onto port immediately and crossing the fleet with the advantage of the new breeze on the left. While Honnor and Coate both chose to play the left hand side, White headed right and picked up a nice right shift to lead comfortably at the first mark.

Race 2 start - Solo Midland Area Series at South Staffs - photo © Martin Warburton

While White extended his lead over the course of the first lap, Honnor and Coate tussled for second place, with Cole Briscoe and Samuel Bailey chasing close behind. The second and third place boats were in fact so caught up in their dogfight for second, that they both went round a mark the wrong way on the second lap, allowing Briscoe and Bailey through. Coate realised his error quickly and unwound himself, ultimately pulling back to third behind Briscoe. Unfortunately for Honnor the damage was much worse.

Race 2 got under way after a quick break ashore for lunch. Coate held a small lead around the first lap over fellow South Staffs man Jonathan Woodward. Ultimately unable to hold off the constant pressure from Woodward, Coate had to settle for second place in race 2. Class newcomer Andy Beston had a great race to take third place.

Third overall, Jonny Coate - Solo Midland Area Series at South Staffs - photo © Martin Warburton

With two races sailed and a variety of performances, the overall winner was likely to be one of Coate, Briscoe, White or Woodward. Coate ruled himself out early on, with a disastrous attempt at starting leaving him watching the fleet sail off while he tried to get the boat going again. White took the lead and looked good for the overall win.

Martin Honnor, with a point to prove after two pretty unsuccessful races by his standards, fought hard and passed White for the race win. Samuel Bailey rounded out the top 3 for the race. Ultimately second place was good enough for White to take the overall win from Woodward in second and Coate in third.

Winner overall, Chris White - Solo Midland Area Series at South Staffs - photo © Chloe Nichols

Thanks to all the volunteers at South Staffs who helped out on the day, and to Allen and CB Trailers & Covers for their ongoing support for the Midland Series.

Next up is Shustoke SC on Saturday 13th June.

Overall Results: