Autumn Series Solo - Race 1

Published 09:18 on 8 Sep 2025

A high quality fleet of ten Solo sailors took to the water to enjoy the ria after many of the Summer blow ins had blown out, the beaches now empty and the harbour now free of RIBs and Boston Whalers.

With a south easterly breeze, gusting 30 knots in most places except for the starting area, and a low tide that prevented access to the creeks, Race Officer Gavin Stevens wisely set a course in the upper reaches of the harbour, mainly comprising sleigh ride broad reaches toward Gerston and stomach hurting long beats back to Saltstone.

A strong flood tide and a fickle wind at the start line saw the individual recall flag raised, which made it much easier for those on the correct side to reach the Crossways mark unencumbered, Tim Law leading from Simon Yates, Robin Hodges, and Bill Jago.

The pack was shuffled on the first off wind leg to Gerston as the sailors searched for fast lanes in the gusts, Tim Law maintaining his lead at the gybe mark at Gerston, however James Greenhill and Tim Fells did not survive the gybe, allowing Robin Hodges and Simon Dobson to take up the pursuit.

On the fetch to Saltstone, Hodges caught up with Law, as he was almost knocked down, and on the return to Gerston it was Dobsons turn to tip in at Gerston, whilst the more pragmatic wore around.
Returning from Gerston into the Bag, the fleet split, some taking a windward route, Tim Law consolidated his lead by powering off along the leeward shore.  By Tosnos Point Tim Law was leading Robin Hodges and David Greening.

To the relief of the fleet the race was shortened at Crossways, Tim Law taking the win, with a resurgent Chris Cleaves taking second place from Robin Hodges.
Full marks to the race officer for providing the best racing having been dealt a difficult pack of cards.

By David Greening