Barnt Green Solo Open Meeting 4 April 2009

 Report by Richard Ash, BGSC Solo Class Captain  richardash@blueyonder.co.uk 

Twenty three helms from thirteen clubs entered Barnt Green Solo Open Meeting in the Midland Area Traveller Series. The weather was bright and clear with a brisk SW. breeze for the start of the fisrt race. Jon Clarke 4712 (Draycote Water) lead at the top of the first beat closely followed by Chris Brown 4983 (RYA), Neil Wilkinson 4578 (Shustoke) and Colin Newton 4930 (Staunton Harold). During beat at the start of the second round the wind dropped then shifted S lifting boats on the left of the course.

Chris Brown (pictured above) took the lead and Stuart Hydon 4991 (Shustoke) came up to take second place from Jon Clarke. Although not retaining the lead throughout Chris Brown won with Jon Clarke second and Stuart Hydon taking third by less than a boat length from clubmate Neil Wilkinson.

After lunch the wind had filled in a little and an amended course produced some planing reaches for the second race. Local Helm Bob Suggitt 3845 made an excellent start at the port end of the line and with clear air held a convincing lead until the third round. Jon Clarke initially held a strong second  but accepted a penalty on the short beat. Stuart Hydon took the lead by the end of the third lap and held the position to beat Bob Suggitt at the end.

Bob Suggitt, 1st Veteran and 5th overall, highest placed Barnt Green helm.

Shortly after the start of the third race the wind shifted W. and beats became short. Chris Brown and Stuart Hydon quickly established a convincing lead which they held to the end with Jon Clarke third.  Chris Brown (4983) in centre of photo below.

Results of top five

Photographs by Sam Woods apart from small one of Chris Brown (Borrowed)     Galleries here  and  here  (Second gallery to follow soon)        Full results  here

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