Marconi Sailing Club: Solo Open Meeting: 11th September 2010.

Marconi Sailing Club held their annual open meeting for Solos on Saturday 11th September 2010. Seven visitors and seven club members competed in challenging conditions of force 4/5 winds against one of the highest tides of the year making for a lumpy chop and a wet ride! The first race started with a hard beat to the windward mark and then the fun started! The runs against the tide and the lumpy waves needed full concentration to avoid the risk of catastrophe but nevertheless many boats were seen capsized and the rescue boats were kept busy. Steve Ede showed his class by getting to the front after a battle with Mick Taylor who was in front after the start. Waiting for race 2 to start the fleet was entertained while munching their chocolate bars by classic yachts going to Maldon Regatta finishing a race in the vicinity of our course. When the race started Steve Ede again proved the winner this time fending off Ray Collins who had travelled all the way from the South coast. For the third race the river seemed rather deserted; all the classic boats had disappeared up to Maldon and several of the Solo competitors had had enough leaving 9 boats to compete the final race. This time Ray Collins prevailed with Steve Ede second which was enough to make him the winner of the event with 2 first places. Race Officer David Kennedy provided excellent management of the event in difficult conditions and the recue boat crews had a busy day dealing with many capsizes and we thank them for giving up their time to make the event possible.

Results.

1st. Steve Ede Ardleigh S. C.

2nd Ray Collins Locks S. C.

3rd Michael Taylor Marconi S. C.

4th Robert Laurie Tollesbury S. C.

5th Trevor Smith Thorpe Bay Y. C.

6th Roger Smith Marconi S. C.

7th Bryan Spencer Marconi S. C.

8th Peter Playle Marconi S. C.

9th John Salmon Marconi S. C.

10th John Nisbet Marconi S. C.

11th Patrick Overs Paxton Lakes S. C.

12th Nick Miller Marconi S. C.

13th Paul Playle Island Barn S. C.

14th Anthony O’Connor Fishers Green S. C.

Based on information supplied by Roger Smith.