SoloSpecific · 2017-12-02 · SoloSpecific SPRING 2017 The NSCA is Sponsored by National Championship NOR + Info Winter Champs Report Dinghy Show Veteran and Grand Master Proﬁles

SoloSpecific SPRING 2017

The NSCA is Sponsored byNational Championship NOR + Info

Winter Champs ReportDinghy Show

Veteran and Grand Master ProfilesCalendar of Events

Great Solo racing also available in these Countries

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Solo Specific Contacts

N.S.C.A. Officers and Committee 2016-2017

Title/ Name Address Telephone Email Address

President Will Loy

49 Ocean View Road, Ventnor, IOW, PO381DH

07713 011825 [email protected]

Vice President Vacant

Hon.Treasurer David Walford

8B Huggins Lane, North Mimms, Hatfield, Herts. AL97LR


Membership Andrew Thompson (temp)

membership@solosailing .org.uk

Hon. Secretary Robert Laurie

4 Snowberry Court, Braintree, Essex, CM7 9FT


Chief Measurer Gordon Barclay

98 Norwich Rd, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 5DF


RYA Technical Adviser Bas Edmonds

Newsletter Editor Will Loy

49 Ocean View Road, Ventnor, IOW, PO381DH

07713 [email protected]

Coaching Mark + Linda Lee

[email protected]

Midland Area Rep Nigel Davies

[email protected]

Northern Area Rep Nick Hornsby

5 Field Hurst, Barkisland, Halifax, HX4 0OJ


Eastern/T Valley Rep Godfrey Clark

28 Bassett Gardens, North Weald, Epping, Essex.

01992 523262 07713 871802

[email protected] [email protected]

Western Area Rep John Steels

[email protected]

Southern Area Rep Will Loy (Temp)


Sea Series Andrew Thompson

[email protected]@andrewthompson.me.uk

Webmaster Neil Hodges (Yellowphin)

[email protected]

Championship Venues Steve Ede

53 Seaview Avenue, West Mersea,Colchester, CO58BY


Committee Member Chris Brown


Scottish Area Rep Kevan Gibb

Crab Apple Neuk, Sea Rd,Drumeldrie, Upper Largo, KY8 6JD


Committee Member Steve Watson (Jury)

[email protected]

GM and Vet Rep Peter Fryer

16 Abinger Avenue, Cheam, Surrey, SM2 7LJ

020 8224 7624 [email protected]

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Specialist marine Insurance Broker

And Title Sponsor of the National Championship, Royal Torbay 2017

Solo Class Insurance Schemenoblemarine.co.uk

01636 707606Specially arranged by Noble Marine (Insurance Brokers) Ltd

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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Solo Specific Committee

PreEditorial So, we enter another season and hopefully the winds will be a little more substantial than the average for 2016 when I struggled to capture “action shots” on the water. I would even go so far as to say that Patrick Burns reaction to winning Solo 6000 was the highlight, though 860 NSCA members and Kevin Gibb may disagree.

We have already had a blaster of an event at Draycote water where Charlie Cumbley secured the Noble Marine Winter Championship and I obtained a years worth of action video! Well done to the 33 souls who made it to the event, the wind was savage to start but dropped to a forgiving force 4-5 for races 2 and 3.

There are many events I could highlight but the National Championship, sponsored by Noble Marine, with additional sponsorship from Allen, Rooster, P+B, Lennon Racewear, Milanes Foils and Hayling Island Sailing Club is top of my list. The event entry fee is heavily subsidised by Noble and with overseas entry, Junior and full time student at only £50, sets us up for what should be a bumper attendance. The prize fund is in the region of £3000

and includes race gear, a new centreboard and free entry for three lucky competitors to next years nationals at Hayling Island. Good reason to enter and that is without 6 days racing in one of the most beautiful locations in the south west!

The Committee are working tirelessly to ensure the class runs smoothly and this includes further improvement to the website. Thank you Paul Dowman for the huge effort you put into the site. Neil Hodges at Yellowphin, a professional company is now providing hosting and maintenance though this is at a cost to the association. We are fortunate that I have not spent all the money yet! I once again invite members to offer your services to the NSCA, we need Vice President, Treasurer, Hon Secretary and editor positions to be filled at this Summer’s AGM. Plus a new President next Summer! Will Loy

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Another Jam-Packed Season Ahead for the National Solo Class The 2017 calendar of events in in place, the Solos have been chosen for the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show and the National Championship sponsorship package has been agreed. The NSCA Committee have not been sitting idle in the two months since the EOS which was sadly canned through lack of wind. Super Series Firstly, back in November we received confirmation from Charlie Cumbley at North Sails that they will continue to sponsor the Super Series, a national circuit taking in 10 of our major events, with those that qualify in with a chance of winning a brand new North Laminate mainsail. Previous winners of the sail, Graham Wilson and Chris Brown have both been chuffed with their prizes, maybe this year it will be you. Andy Davis defended the North Sails Super Series title which, being part of the HD Sails team, must make him and Jimbo Hunt chuckle. Unfortunately Charlie, who had two event wins in 2016 had OK commitments…I would not be surprised to see a North rep feature this year! We have mixed the series up a little and include the Nation’s Cup (May 5-7) which looks like being another top regatta. The Dutch fleet are on the increase, led by Peeke Kortikaas and with a strong forward thinking committee. Medemblik needs no introduction and with Stena line currently offering a number of deals, booking up soon would be advised. 1. Noble Marine Winters 25 Feb Draycote Water 2. Spring Champs 29 April Oxford 3. Nation’s Cup 5-6-7 May Medemblik, Holland 4. Welsh Sea Champs 27-28 May Abersoch 5. Nigel Pusinelli Trophy 3-4 June Hayling Island 6. Noble Marine National Championship 9-14 July Royal Torbay 7. Inland Championship 9-10 Sep Rutland Water 8. Scottish Champs 23-24 Sep Largo Bay 9. EOS 14 October Grafham Water

Midland Area Champs* 1 April Draycote Water Southern Area Champs* 20-21 May Felpham Y.C Northern Champs* 10-11 June Burwain Eastern Area Champs* 24 June Leigh on Sea S.C. Salcombe Regatta* 13-18 Aug Salcombe

* Only 1 of these 5 events can be included as a Super Series qualifier. YOU NEED TO COMPETE IN 4 OF THE EVENTS TO GAIN A RAFFLE TICKET FOR THE PRIZE DRAW. EVERY EVENT YOU DO AFTER THAT EARNS YOU EXTRA TICKETS! PRIZE DRAW TO TAKE PLACE AT THE EOS.

National Solo Championship The UK National Championship, Royal Torbay 9-14 July, is this year title sponsored by Noble Marine, our class insurer. Noble Marine can always be relied on keeping us on the water and Noble Marine’s Phil Kilburn, is a regular competitor. This sponsorship deal has greatly reduced the entry fee for competitors to a very competitive £145 for six days Championship racing (£175 for entry after June 30th) with a number of functions thrown in. We are also conscious that Juniors and students in full time employment who may wish to attend have financial restraints so we have set a fee of just £50 entry. There is a resurgence of the Solo class in Holland, a small pocket of sailors in Portugal and some UK sailors who are based abroad so the fee of £50 apply to these categories too with the intention that some will make the journey to one of the prettiest venues on the South West peninsula and make this one of the largest UK Championships in 2017. We have a Raceday sponsorship package from Allen Brothers, Rooster, P+B, Lennon Racewear, Milanes Foils and HISC to the sum of approximately £3000 which will be dished out at the daily ‘Early Bird Draw’ for those who enter by June 30th. The Raceday sponsors will be highlighted in the daily video reports. We will also have the now traditional “first to the windward mark” Beer vouchers and the “where’s Wally” booby prizes. Previous winners include Vince Horey for his capsize and David Greening for bending his mast in the boat park. One other high profile winner was 2016 GP World champion Shane McCarthy, BFD at the Nationals even though he did not even attend. We look set for a great championship so get online and enter today!

Regattas Salcombe Regatta 13-18 August and Chichester Harbour Federation Week 21-25 August are both very well established events with very healthy Solo entries. Abersoch Dinghy Week, 23-28 July, also provides a mix of racing and relaxation so if a National championship is not your thing then these regattas may suit you.

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Solo Specific Feature

National Solo’s Take Over the Palace

The National Solo Class Association once again put on a great display at Alexandra Palace over the weekend. There were three Solos on the NSCA stand, the first, an FRP Winder Mk 1a fitted out with Allen Brothers hardware and owned by Vince Horey.

Tech Stuff The Winder comes in two underwater shapes, the Mk 1 with minimal rocker and beam for lighter helms and the Mk 2 for the heavier sailor, with more rocker and increased “V” at the bow to promote lift onto the plane. The Mk 1a has a tweaked deck with higher side tanks which promotes a higher helm position when hiking and reduces the likelihood of scooping up water with an over zealous roll tack. The side tanks near the transom also keep the sailor dryer in “all out blasting” mode. Vince, part of the Allen Brothers team used Allen hardware throughout the boat and chose the medium cut radial laminate P+B sail and the Selden D+ mast. All lines were painstakingly spliced and continuous with elastics to keep them tensioned. The medium cut sail was developed with input from hotshot Mike Sims, who recently finished 2nd in the Noble Marine Winter Championship. The Winder really has set the benchmark for all FRP builds and there continual development of the class really does much to keep it vibrant.

The second Solo on the stand, a FRP P+B / JP Solo, owned by P+B jockey Oli Wells, was equipped throughout with Harken hardware and sported, no surprises, a P+B radial medium cut laminate sail on the D+. Lightweight Oli recently swapped to the Selden D+ from the Zeta mast. Background P+B and John Poulson, an established Solo builder had, some time ago teamed up to produce an FRP hull with very distinctive bow sections which made it instantly recognisable. The very pointed bow was developed to increase speed in chop while maximising water length. This resulted in a Solo that feels very much like it is “on rails” and subsequently fast in a straight line. Ian Pinnell used this hull at the 2013 Hayling Island Nationals and showed glimpses of speed. Fast forward to 2017 and, following the build transferring from “in house” to expert Fireball builder Richard Wagstaff, it is now in production. The hull on show sported black thwart and capping and heavily non slipped flooring. While the first hull does require some small cosmetic tweaks, the feeling from those that viewed it was very positive. As is to be expected, the fit out by P+B was uncompromising and very detailed. There is also a choice of foil flexibility, an often overlooked tuning option.

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Boats of Wood, Men of Steel The third Solo on the stand was a beautifully presented Gosling Dinghycaft FRP composite, 4803, built in 2008. OK, not all wood but fooled many! This stunning example is the NSCA President’s own boat and has been refurbished over the Winter by Cowes based Precision Marine. Simon Watnough uses techniques and products that are more at home on racing yachts including Awlgrip G-line non slip flooring, Durapox 2000 urethane clear varnish and Dupont 2000 red on the topsides. Y+Y even mentioned the Solo in the same article as the Concours winner! Aside from the beautiful finish and unbelievable craftsmanship from builder Kevan Gosling, the boat sported a new North F2 laminate sail on a developed Superspars M7+ and matching B+ boom. North Sails developed several versions of their P2 cut, the F2 may well stand for “fat” though I prefer “full” as the acronym. This Solo also featured ‘Finn’ style extra wide hiking straps from Chris Gould’s Creation Covers

Mast Evolution Superspars need no introduction to the dinghy scene, they are huge in some classes but the fad in the Solo has been the Selden D+. Superspars' Simon Bevan and the team have been working hard behind the scenes and the M7+ has a choice of internal sleeves to suit the helm as well as a huge library of mast extrusion data. This data allows the team to supply the sailor with exactly the same bend characteristics in replacement masts time and time again. Also, the very technical recipe of Magnesium and other alloys has ensured gust response is optimised.

Another interesting development, and a result of the modern Solo employing an inhaul was the Superspars system which involved internal mast sheaves, one at the gooseneck and one at the base of the mast. This negates the need for tying/taping blocks either side of the mast. The B+ boom has improved stiffness so it will be interesting to see this rig in action in 2017. With the need for more controls comes the need for more mounting bases and Composite Craft, based on the IOW produced two very catching carbon mounting bases for this Solo. This modern material was also used under the mainsheet block to reduce wear and cover an old repair!

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You wait for three then five come along! There were two other Solos on show, no one wanted to miss the party!

Allen Brothers Making a big impression at the show, this UK based firm pulled out all the stops and, with a factory fitted out Boatyard at Beer Solo on show, provided yet another choice for those wanting a single hander. This South West based builder have been building Solos for a number of years and with the likes of Salcombe’s Chris Cleaves and Martin Frary producing some top results, the hull is undeniably fast. There are a number of features unique to the Kevin Driver built Solo, concealed forestay fitting and corrector cover are just two. The hull on the Allen stand was sporting the P2 North sail on the Selden D+.

Ovington Boats Nathan Batchelor was on hand to show off the new Ovington hull, fitted out to an exacting standard and rigged with the National Championship winning D+/HD Gold Maxx. Ovington bought the all conquering Boon plug a few years ago and following some serious re-development, now have a top example. Ovington Boats have a long history of FRP production in many high performance designs and the Solo on show had all the usual refinements including the very ‘Ovi' floor grip as standard. Andy Davis was on hand on Saturday and managed to get his ‘major’ winning HD Gold Maxx on Vince’s Winder as well as the Ovington!

So, Winder Boats, P+B JP, Gosling Dinghycraft, Boatyard at Beer and Ovington Boats, plenty of hull choice, tick. North Sails P2, F2, P+B laminate, HD Sails as some of the examples of rags to use, tick. Selden and Superspars masts, tick.

A massive thanks to Vince and Oli for the use of their ships and also to Nathan and Allen Brothers for the Solos on their stands.

Thanks to the cracking NSCA team of volunteers including, Steve Ede, Rob Laurie, Godfrey Clark, Pete Mitchell, Andy Hyland, Phil Sturmer, Graham Wilson, Claire Clark, Roger Gravatt, Shaun Welsh, Guy Maygar, Terry Palmer, John Steels, Peter Warne and most importantly, Andrew Thompson, our show co-ordinator. Let the season begin!

Will Loy President NSCA

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Mike Sims in complete control at the Noble Marine Winter Championship.

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Solo Specific Championship Venue

National Championship Venue 2017 Royal Torbay Yacht Club

It was not by accident that the Bay was the 1948 Olympic sailing venue, nor that it was the summer home of the great J Class Yachts. But, it has been far more for far longer. The first regatta was in 1813 (we

celebrated the 200th regatta in 2013) and since then the Bay, and for the last 150 years the Club, has been the focus of countless yachting and sailing events.

! What makes Tor Bay so Good? Brilliant sailing waters – a bay that covers an area four by three nautical miles between the headlands all with

deep water providing room for several courses all at one time and all viewable from the shore. Easy access to the courses. Launching from the harbor giving immediate access to the sailing water. Good harbourside area with berthing ashore (100 plus dinghy spaces); cranage; a good modern slipway; a

town dock area for up to a hundred keel boats, dayboats and yachts. Torbay has its own micro-climate. Top-flight race administration from race officers to mark layers, beach masters to stewards. RTYC committee vessel and supporting RIBs . Committee room for race office Computer stations for results and weather Showers and changing rooms in the Clubhouse Quayside toilets and showers The Clubhouse overlooks the bay.

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With Additional Race Day Sponsorship from

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Sailing in the Bay Tor Bay is a fantastic venue for sailing events. Home of the 1948 Olympics, the Club has played host to major

World and National Events up to the present day. The Bay is four miles across by three miles wide with no obstructions. The depth of water averages 10 metres

across the Bay at low tide. Tide streams are usually less than 1 knot in the Bay. A new 12 metre wide slipway allows launching at all tide states into a well protected harbour allowing racing in

any wind direction. The minimum water depth is 2.5 metres at low springs in the harbour and some berths are available at 3 metres depth on low springs.

A new Town Dock for keelboat events allows a large area of pontoon berths with a 2.5 metre minimum depth, joined to the quayside and close to the Clubhouse. The adjacent MDL Marina provides additional visitors’ berths.

Other than with east and south-easterly winds the Bay creates perfect shelter from high seas with the prevailing wind being west to southwest which gives truly perfect sailing conditions.

The Club has highly experienced Race Management Teams with a dedicated Committee Boat, Support Boats and Mark Layers.

The racing water is just outside the harbour so for many events the Bay provides a natural amphitheatre for spectators.

Courses are usually set using GPS in the Bay away from the shore but inside the tide line giving true winds with minimal tidal effect.

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The excellent gradient of the new 12 metre wide slipway is not affected by the tide. At the top of the slipway we have stackable launching Club Dinghy parking is available for between 20 and 30 dinghies and there is parking for 100 boats along the adjacent Haldon pier. The new Town Dock is linked to the shore and has a large events pontoon to accommodate visiting yachts. The MDL Marina is adjacent to the Town Dock. The Club owns its own 1,000kg crane which is situated on South Pier for boat lifting. Heavier lifts can be undertaken by the local stevedore. The two level car park is just 30m from the dinghy park and 50m from the RTYC clubhouse. Weekly car park tickets for any of the Torbay car parks are available from the Tourist Information Office next to the harbour. However, prime periods of each year are now getting booked up so, please, consider us at your earliest opportunity.

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Tor Bay Harbour has existed since 1970 and it has served the community well by operating successfully, efficiently and economically. Torbay Council’s role as a strong maritime local authority is enhanced because the jurisdiction of the Harbour Authority mirrors the Council’s land boundaries and it includes the Bay’s entire coastline. In operational terms it allows control over 22 miles of coastline and 16 square miles of open sea. Torquay Harbour lies on the north shore of Tor Bay and although it is predominantly a leisure facility, it’s commercial activity ensures that it remains a busy little port which is very close to the town centre giving easy access to shops, restaurants and bars. The outer harbour shelters a 170 berth Town Dock (Harbour Authority) and a 440-berth Marina (MDL) from the prevailing south westerly winds. Both these facilities offer a variety of visitors’ berths throughout the year. The enclosed inner harbour which is highly protected from the bad weather shelters some limited visitor pontoons and approximately 200 town dock style berths moorings. Entry to the inner harbour is restricted at times.

Getting There ROAD There are direct motorway, rail and air links to the English Riviera. It is only 191 miles from London and 185 miles from Birmingham with the M5 motorway reaching Exeter from the Midlands, London and North. It is then dual carriageway to close to the resort. The long awaited Kingskerswell bypass will be complete by end of 2015 and will then bring fast dual carriageway all the way to Torquay. RAILTorquay has excellent mainline train services from London Paddington via Exeter. Those mainline trains carrying on to Plymouth and beyond stop at Newton Abbot, where a regular shuttle train takes passengers to Torquay. FERRIESFerries from Europe serve Weymouth, Southampton, Portsmouth and Plymouth. Delivery and collection can be arranged for overseas competitors via the Yacht Club. AIRPORTSThere are national and international flights into Exeter, and Bristol airports. There are good fast rail links to London Heathrow.

2008 National Championship Pic; Fotoboat

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Nathan Batchelor from Ovington Boats puts the works Solo through it’s paces at the Noble Marine Winter Championship

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Solo Specific

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Solo Specific Championship Info

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1st Nations Cup 1st North Super Series 1st Inland Championships 1st Scottish Nationals 2nd Spring Championships1st Welsh Nationals 2nd Winter Championships 1st National Championships

2016 Results

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Andy Davis , Martin Frary and Mike Sims at full blast atthe Noble Marine Winter Championship

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The Boatyard at Beer Solo

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Solo Specific Rules

Solook at the 2017 Rules

Every four years, after the Olympic excitement, the world of sailing implements the updated rules that have been formulated, written, discussed and finalised over many months ready for inevitable revisions in the next cycle. It is potentially an exciting time for judge types; the opportunity of being bought a beer in exchange for an erudite explanation of rule changes that will create instant winning advantage to the sailors who get to early grips with them.

I’m just going for the beer-in-sympathy vote this time as the rules that have changed and are of interest to the racing sailor are somewhat limited. But I live in hops (sic) so here is my take on the matter.

RRS 69 has been rewritten. The procedures are now clearer. But you really don’t want to get the headlines in such a hearing.

RRS 21 Exoneration The Rules book is heavily structured. Part 2, which are the basic on-the-water rules of -racing, has four sections, A, B, C and D. RRS 21 has been moved from Section C to D. Wow! you say (Yes, say it you’ll feel better for it). So now you could get exoneration both for ‘mark room’ and ‘room’ if some other boat causes you to break a rule of Part 2, Section A, bits of Section B (see above) or touching a mark (OMG, Part 3!). So, for example, if a right of way leeward boat fails to give you room to keep clear and you infringe Rule 11 (windward) you can claim exoneration. Perhaps you won’t notice the change in your racing life.

RRS 18 Mark Room This is one of the more convoluted racing rules and has a multitude of sub-sections and sub-sub sections. The first change creates a new sub section to RRS 18.2 and has consequently spoiled one of my best Rules jokes. They are few and far between so I’m cross. The change clarifies when the extra rights gained by winning the ‘Zone’ are ceased. When a boat entitled to mark room has been given it, the entitlement switches off. I think we knew that but it’s now clearer. Wasn’t worth ruining a good joke though. The second change is about the sin of tacking in the zone. This rule now only applies to port hand marks, anti-clockwise, the conventional way round for sausages, triangles and trapezoids leaving the odd balls that do puddle sailing round the obscure cans, team racers and match racers to contemplate the implications thereof. Moreover, the starboard boat that may be advantaged by this rule (18.3 if you’re numerically inclined) must be on starboard before entering the Zone. I am not sure that your competitive Solo sailor will notice and will carry brazenly crashing through the layline of starboard boats at the windward mark. Rounding the mark the clockwise way has more important tactical considerations for your average Solo Club sailor and I shan’t boozle you with any details. Suffice to say, you still can’t ‘tack in the other boat’s water’. And now the bad news.

A new definition of “Support Person” covers your sailing assistants such coaches, physios, medics and others assisting you to those vital victories. No problem. Keeps them in check from the race officer’s point of view. They can now be subject to RRS 69. It also covers Parents and Guardians. Many of you still have them. There is no age or presence mentioned in the definition so it appears that you have to consider them even if they are not at your event! You are also obliged to ensure that they understand the Rules. (RRS 3.3(d)). I am sure that this will provide endless family fun and will shortly be amended to include Partners. Bliss! I can provide Parental Rules Appreciation Classes To Inform, Communicate And Legislate courses for your parental support persons.

OK. That’s my replacement joke. RRS 3.1(b) mentions “child” which I guess, in reality, lets you off the hook. What did you expect? Michael Mcintyre? Steve Watson 2017

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A VIEW FROM A VETERAN…. Martin Honnor (Solo 5398) The National Solo… what a great championship boat…. Who is Martin Honnor I hear you say, and rightly so, I have only been part of the Solo fleet for 2 years now, 2017 will be my 3rd year in this wonderful and friendly fleet. For my sins I have been sailing in the Enterprise fleet for many years now, returning to it in 1999 when I got back from living overseas for 5 years in Japan and Australia. At the turn of the Millennium the Enterprise fleet was very completive and growing in numbers rapidly. I have spent, and still do on occasions, many hours enjoying the tough competition and high standard of ability sailing against the likes of Richard Estaugh, Nick Craig and Tim Saddler to name but a few. In the early years my partner in crime was an ambitious young man by the name of Simon Haighton, who has gone on to be a championship winning crew, and latterly my daughter Abigail, but unfortunately as the years rolled on, Abigail too left me for pastures new, attending Leicester University. Now with a shortage of crews in the fleet it was time for this aging Ent sailor to look elsewhere for competition, where do I go? What boat should I sail? Single-hander? Double-hanger? And after many hour of deliberating and a few glasses of pop, the Solo rose to the top of my list, an old man’s boat I was told, easy to sail I was told, not to demanding I was told – little did I know!! Entering a new fleet is never easy, you don’t know anyone, you don’t know which hull to get, who makes the best foils, which mast best suits your weight, who’s sails to use…, a mine field. After weeks of deliberation, phone calls to fellow sailors and consultation with the ‘boss’ on the finances, my solution was a Winder Mark1, D+ and Norths (other boat builders, spars and sailmakers are available, and are equally as good….). Not in a position to buy new, I turned to the second-hand market – which I have to say is excellent, the Solo fleet do have a very good turnover of boats which I am sure will keep the fleet healthy for many years to come – ‘For Sale Solo 5398, contact Andy Fox’ and after a couple of calls and a visit to Crosby I became the proud owner of Solo 5398. My first event was the Spring Championships at Draycote in 2015, a light breeze but cold day, and for the first time I was becoming aware of the size, ability and depth of the fleet, the right decision going with the Solo I thought to myself while sitting on the start line of the first race together with 60+ boats with a minute to go, the wrong one I thought as I was popped out of the back of the line 15 seconds after the gun, “oh well, can only go one way from here I said to myself…”, and managed a mid-fleet finish which I was very happy with considering my start. Now, to the comment about an old man’s boat – 3 races back-to-back, play the main upwind and down, and then to top it all, I have to do all the sitting out, old man’s boat my foot…! clearly I was going to have to get much fitter and get to know how sail this thing, and credit to all in the fleet, everyone is willing to help and give advice, you just need to ask and you will get. The day came to a tiring end and after packing up the boat while driving home in a little discomfort, an old adage given to me by a wise old Yorkshire man came to mind… “there’s no substitute for mileage young man….” And that was the catalyst for me get better in a great boat. I did plenty of other events that year including the windy Welsh Champs at SCYC, Carsington and Hollingworth to mention a few and saw great improvements in myself. I missed the Nationals at East Lothian unfortunately but in September I attended what I can only say was the best event of the year for me, 99 entries, 2 days of great racing in wind speeds ranging from 20~25mph on day 1 to 5~6 mph on day 2, where I managed a 5th place in one of the light wind races on the Sunday, showing that putting the mileage in does work, although I think I was a little lucky! My first year concluded at the EOS at Oxford where the fleet enjoyed the benefits of the excellent sponsorship received. Year 2 was all about improvement for me, working hard, training regularly and getting on the water at every moment. Sailing at my local club using the races as a practice ground for tacking for example, if there is one thing I have learnt in all my years sailing, hours on the water works, it gives repeatability so you don’t have to think how to tack it just happens. Travelling to all the events time and money would allow, giving me the chance to compete with the top of the fleet as often as possible, we all know having exceptional sailors in the fleet brings everyone’s standard up right across the board. Then g o i n g t o t h e N a t i o n a l Championships in Pwllheli, my first in the Solo, and setting myself the goal of finishing in the top 20 places, and achieving it. Now, all that said, I still have a long way to go to seriously mix it with the big boys, but being in amongst it once in a while gives me t he buz z and t ha t i s something you can only get in competitive fleets, and the Solo fleet is exactly that…. In summary, it has been a physical 2 years but extremely satisfying and this year I have set myself new targets and am looking forward to the year…

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Grand Masters in the Solo fleet.

What a great place to be, an oldie still getting the buzz of competing, getting a thrill of sailing and competing at club and national level. I go to Open meeting looking forward to seeing and talking to solo sailors from all over the “British Isles” Veterans, grand masters and Septimus sailors alike, and the youngsters, how long ago was that? I recall sailing a Scorpion with my 20 year crew Eric, along with the Curran’s and Brian and Andrea now Holland now of Abersoch, they now have Grandkids too.

I didn’t start sailing until I was 28, broke my leg footballing and was looking for softer landings. Starting in Scorpions with my son Michael, at the age of 8 we sailed the Scorpion Nationals at Plymouth. Wow. He is now 52!!!!!!!!!!! After, if I remember correctly 20 years in Scorpions with crew Eric and some success, fifth at the Scorpion Nations we were happy with, if I remember correctly the entry was 140+ at Porthpean. I got too heavy so we progressed to 505 sailing. Sailing 505’s and Solo’s at Mounts Bay I will have to say the Solo Nations were great but cannot surpass the 505 Nationals in huge waves, something I will never forget. My finest hour in the 505 fleet was with my crew Robert we won the race of the year at the 505 Nationals at Mumbles. Back at Carsington Robert’s farm duties took hold and I was missing my sailing so I tried a Laser for a while, sailing on it and not in it didn’t work so I got a Solo.

So most of my Solo years have been as a grand master and I guess as others “what could we have achieved if we had started earlier”. The youngsters might not appreciate this yet but we are still here and doing it. Looking back I hope it will continue although I do need a “sleep in” after 4 races on a Sunday so I am ready for Wednesday racing.

Sorry to finish on a negative trend but the Solo fleet at Carsington is much less this season as I am seeing an increase in D Zero’s unfortunately at the expense of the Solo fleet. I hope this is a passing phase but we will have to see what happens. Looking forward to the 2017 season, started with 3 races last Sunday, our Wednesday series starts 1st March, Nationals at Torquay, Abersoch Dinghy week and Falmouth week booked so let’s hope for another great sailing season. Best wishes to all for good health and good sailing in 2017. A race, an event, a series and a season. Before we know it we will be talking about 2017 in a past tense so make the most of it. John Webster 5655 Septimus year 1

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Solo Specific Championship

Noble Marine Winter Championship 2017 Draycote Water S.C. 25th February

After some careful consideration the NSCA committee decided to go ahead with the event, despite a rather menacing forecast of 22-33 knot winds.

33 entries reflected the support for the decision and with the race briefing done, the intrepid fleet rigged and screamed out onto the race course. PRO John Rhode, ably assisted by ex Solo legend Chris Avery and a team of young enthusiastic youths, set a triangle/sausage course with the sneaky white spreader mark in place which would be the undoing of a few who did not read the SI,s.

Race 1 The fleet were away first time and battled up the course in the increasing breeze. A steady force 5 with a dash of force 7 for good measure. Some of the more ‘worldly’ sailors chose to head back into shore, hip and knee replacements still intact. At the top mark it was Paul Childs who was borrowing his father’s Solo for the day who rounded first, the 110 kg sailor, based at Hayling Island S.C. clearly enjoying the challenge and he set off for the gybe mark with Mike Sims and Charlie Cumbley in pursuit. Childs lead quickly evaporated as a squall took him by surprise and sent him swimming. He got back up to third before a nose dive and hypothermia got the better of him. It was at this point he realised his choice of hikers, two rash vests and a spray top were no match for the water temperature and he retired to the shower.

Up front it was a race long tussle between Sims and Cumbley who was sailing his new Winder Mk 2 for the first time. Cumbley took the lead up the beat but Sims reclaimed top spot and they set off on a lip trembling plane to the gybe mark, which was handily placed in front of the clubhouse for maximum pressure. Sims chose to tack around and Cumbley, having seen the manoeuvre and sensing a chance tried the Hollywood pass and fell in to windward. Sims took the fully deserved bullet with Cumbley recovering to second from Andy Davis and Ian Hopwood.

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Charlie Cumbley powering through the chop at Draycote Water.

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Solo Specific Championship

Race 2!PRO John Rhode reconfigured the course as the wind tracked left, not unusual at Draycote when the wind is coming from left of the clubhouse. Cumbley and Shane McCarthy were close to the pin end but Ian Hopwood nailed it while Sims chose to hold back a little. The wind strength had abated and those watching on from the comfortable caress of the bar must have been gutted. Cumbley was headed and tacked into a nice left hander which saw him first to the top mark from Hopwood, Davis and Martin Frary who was revelling in the breeze. Sims was stranded out to the right but still rounded in the top six.!Cumbley had his angry game face on and made no mistakes, pulling away from the fleet who were guilty of more in fighting than the Labour Party. Watching these sailors, at the near top of their game reminded me of how I used to enjoy such conditions…I was then brought back to reality as a wave exploded on to my media rib. Cumbley first by a mile from Frary and Davis. Sims finished fourth which would prove crucial in the overall results. !Race 3!In a replay of race 2, Cumbley nailed the pin and having tacked onto port was already in a commanding position with the fleet beneath him. The wind, while a world away from the violence of race 1 was still throwing punches like a blind boxer. With the Solo rig on max tension and simple fatigue a distant memory from the pain that was being felt now, there was still work to be done.!Cumbley screamed down the second leg with McCarthy, Davis and Ollie Davenport a way back but hopeful of another Cumbley swim. Sims and Chris Brown were next and the plane down to the wing mark must have been exhilarating. Cumbley made no mistakes and completed the three lap race with an unassailable lead. GP World champion 2016 Mcarthy finished second from the consistent Davis in third with Brown and Sims completing the top five.!

So, Cumbley retained his Noble Marine Winter Championship title and with his sights firmly set on the National Solo UK Championship (Royal Torbay July 9-14) has set down a marker. Mike Sims will be buoyed by his bullet in race 1 and seems stronger to me in his strength and resolve this year. Andy Davis admitted to not being fully prepped for this event and will no doubt be race ready well before July.!It was great to see Shane McCarthy on the water and he is good eye candy for the girls, we really need more of those at Solo social events!!Special mention to Colin Mather who completed all three races and this sort of spirit is what makes the class so resilient.!

1st Charlie Cumbley!2nd Mike Sims!3rd Andy Davis!4th Shane McCarthy!5th Martin Frary!

Full results at Draycote Water S.C.!Well done Oliver Davenport, first junior and 7th overall, Nigel Davies, first Vet and 11th overall and Roger Lumby, 1st GM and 15th overall.!

Special thanks to Noble Marine who are our class sponsor and to the team at Draycote who ran a faultless event in some extreme conditions.!Next stop is the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show then the Spring Championship at Oxford S.C. April 29.!

See you on the water.!Will Loy!President NSCA

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Spectacular Soloracing at a world class venueWith a fleet of nearly 70 boats, average turnouts in double figures and 20 plus starters on a good day, racing at Hayling Island Sailing Club provides a mix of round the cans in the harbour, sprint style racing, open meeting standard racing, often in the bay, and mid-week evening racing. The racing calendar runs from March through to December with Solo class starts a feature throughout.

Combined with a friendly club atmosphere, the best possible facilities, zero entrance fees and dinghy park priority for active sailors – not to mention the venue for the 2018 National Championship – there has never been a better time to join Hayling Island Sailing Club.

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Nigel Pusinelli Trophy 3–4 Jun 2017

Chi Harbour Race Week 21–25 Aug 2017

Tyler Trophy 24 Sep 2017

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Solo Specific Calendar

Feb 25 Noble Marine Winter Champs Super Series Draycote Water

March 12 broadwater S.C East, TV, South Harefield

March 18/19 Hamble Warming Pan Southampton

April 1 Midland Championship Super series*, Midland Draycote Water

April 2 Littleton S.C TV Series Chertsey

April 8 Silver Wing S.C TV Series Wraysbury

April 8 Clyde S.C TRAINING Bardowie

April 8 Ripon S.C Northern Series Knaresborough

April 9 Clyde S.C Scottish Series Bardowie

April 15 Tata Steel S.C. Western Series Port Talbot

April 22 Banbury S.C. Midland Series Banbury

April 22 Burghfield S.C. TV Series Theale

April 23 Maidenhead S.C TV Series Maidenhead

April 23 Rollesby Broad S.C Eastern Series Great Yarmouth

April 29 Spring Championship Super Series Farmoor

May 5-7 Nation’s Cup Super Series Medemblik, Nederlands

May 6 West Riding S.C Northern Series Wakefield

May 7 Minima Y.C TV Series Kingston upon Thames

May 13 Bristol Corinthian Y.C Western Series Cheddar Gorge

May 14 Carsington S.C Northern, Midland Ashbourne

May 14 Fishers Green S.C Eastern Series Waltham Abbey

May 20-21 Southern Area Championship

Super Series* South, Sea. Felpham

May 20 St Mary’s Lock Scottish Series Scottish Borders

May 27-28 Welsh Sea Championship Super Series, Sea Series Abersoch

May 27 Bough Beech S.C Southern Series Edenbridge

May 27-29 Salcombe Y.C Western, Sea Series Salcombe

May 27 Redesmere S.C Macclesfield

May 28 Chichester Y.C Southern, Sea Series Chichester

June 3-4 Nigel Pusinelli Trophy Super Series Hayling Island

June 4 Wroxham Broad S.C Eastern Series Norwich

June 4 Ogston S.C Northern Series Alfreton

June 9 (Friday) Portchester S.C TRAINING Portchester

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June 10 Dell Quay Y.C Southern Series Chichester

June 10 Northampton S.C Midland Series Pitsford Res

June 10 Sutton Bingham S.C Western Series Yeovil

June 10 Hickling Broad S.C Eastern Series Norfolk

June 10 Prestwick S.C Scottish Series Prestwick

June 10-11 Northern Area Championship Northern Series Burwain S.C

June 11 Porchester S.C Southern, Sea Series Portchester

June 17 Ardleigh S.C Eastern Series Colchester

June 17 Leigh and Lowton S.C Northern Series Greater Manchester

June 18 Dittisham S.C Western Series Dittisham

June 18 Shustoke S.C Midland Series Birmingham

June 24 Eastern Area Championship Super Series*, Eastern, Sea Leigh on Sea

June 24 Chew Valley S.C Western Series Bristol

June 24 West Oxford S.C TV Series Oxford

June 24 Delph S.C Northern Series Bolton

June 25 Chelmarsh S.C Midland Series Bridgnorth

June 25 Frensham Pond Southern Series Farnham

July 2 Midland S.C Midland Series Birmingham

July 8 Island Barn S.C TV Series East Molesley

July 9-14 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Super series Royal Torbay Y.C

July 29-30 Bassenthwaite S.C Northern Series cockermouth

August 5 Newburgh S.C Scottish Series Fife

August 13-18 Salcombe Regatta Super series* Salcombe

August 21-25 Fed Week Hayling Island

September 2 Notts County S.C Northern Series Hoveringham

September 2 Spinnaker S.C Southern Series Ringwood

September 2 King George S.C Eastern, TV Series Chingford

September 9-10 INLAND CHAMPIONSHIP Super series Rutland

September 16 Barnt Green S.C Midland Series Birmingham

September 23 Mengham Rythe S.C Southern, Sea Series Hayling Island

September 23 Ely S.C Eastern Series Cambridgeshire

September 23-24 Scottish Championship Scottish Series Largo Bay

September 24 Papercourt S.C Southern, TV Series Ripley

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Super Series* Denotes that you can only include one of these events as a Super Series qualifier

September 24 Frampton S.C Western Area Frampton on Severn

September 24 West Kirby S.C Northern Series Wirral

September 24 The Tyler Trophy Southern, Sea Series Hayling Island

September 30 Teign Corinthian Western Area Teignmouth

September 30 Hunts S.C Eastern Series Huntingdon

September 30 Budworth S.C Northern Series Great Budworth

October 1 Bartley S.C Midland Series Birmingham

October 7 South Cerney S.C Western Area Cirencester

October 7 Royal Harwich S.C Eastern Series Harwich

October 7 Chipstead S.C Southern Series Sevenoaks

October 7 Loch Ard S.C Scottish Series Stirling

October 8 Hollingworth S.C Northern Series Rochdale

October 14 EOS Super Series Grafham Water

October 21 Staunton Harold S.C Midland Series Melbourne

October 28-29 Western Championship Western Area Salcombe

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Documents

SoloSpecific · 2017-12-02 · SoloSpecific SPRING 2017 The NSCA is Sponsored by National Championship NOR + Info Winter Champs Report Dinghy Show Veteran and Grand Master Proﬁles