SCSC Solo Open Report
Published 21:09 on 16 Oct 2024
The South Cerney SC Solo open meeting took place on Saturday the 5th October. This was a combined NSCA Midlands Series, sponsored by Allen and CB Coverstore, and NSCA Western Series, Sponsored by GOAT and Dinghy Shac event. The event saw 18 competitors from as far afield as Cornwall and Birmingham have a fantastic day in glorious sunshine and more importantly a good breeze (with some gusts to spice things up a bit). Filled with bacon baps, fresh coffee and the briefing complete, all competitors were on the water ready to get going.
The first race started at 11.30 with the wind in the SSE, 10 knots gusting 14. Local knowledge was paying off in this first race with Phil O'Nions of South Cerney in the lead at the first mark.
On the second leg Phil caught a gust that increased his lead before the second mark. He held the lead for three laps before Chris Brown, Draycote, got ahead on the last lap, held it and took the win.
At the start of the second race Rich Babbage, Starcross, saw something in the wind that others hadn't and took a port flyer across the front of the fleet a strategy he'd adopted in the first race. This time it paid off and he was first to the first mark. In the end however, it was Jamie Cuxson, Shustoke, that took the win followed by Chris Brown.
Before the third race the wind picked up slightly but was shifty, Paul Kimmens the race office held his patience and once it had settled down into the SW, he set yet another great course. This gave a thrilling spray filled long reach (if you were the ones lucky enough to catch the gusts) down to mark 6 by the club house. Great for those on the water, but also made a great spectator event! Jamie Cuxson took the win for this race followed by Olly Saunders, Shustoke.
The October sunshine held for the final race with the breeze easing slightly. This time Chris Brown was first to the first mark and held the position to eventually win the race followed by Jamie Cuxson. There was close racing throughout the fleet in all four races with lots of smiling faces in the boat park at the end of the day.
The over winner was a close-run thing, with Chris Brown taking the trophy on count back from Jamie Cuxson a very close second and Neil Wilkinson in third place with both pickup glass ware. Other winners were South Cerney's own Monty Hampton as First Junior and 1st South Cerney boat in 7th overall and First Lady went to Maria E. Franco of Littleton.
Great weather, great wind, great racing, thanks to everyone that made it a great day.
Thanks to the club and series sponsors for the donation of prizes.
Now the Western Series moves on to the TATA Steel Open and Welsh Championships on 12/13 October.
Andrew Schaffner - South Cerney SC Solo Fleet Captain
Pictures courtesy of Mr Tim Hampton
For more pictures click here
Last updated 21:14 on 16 October 2024