Solo class Thames Valley Series at Island Barn Reservoir Sailing Club

The Island Barn Reservoir Solo Open, part of the Thames Valley Series, took place under ideal autumn conditions on October 5th. The reservoir welcomed 16 competitors, with five representing the home club and others travelling from clubs as far as Salcombe Bay.

A warm 15 degreesC day, unseasonably pleasant for October, combined with clear skies and a steady south-easterly breeze of 10-12 knots, occasionally gusting up to 19 knots, provided a near-perfect setting for competitive sailing.

Race officer Gareth Griffiths, a former Solo sailor himself, set a triangle-sausage course for the day's races. The first race kicked off at 11 a.m., and Island Barn hero, Mike Jones, showed early promise by being the first to round the windward mark. The morning saw two tightly contested races before competitors broke for a delicious home-made lunch provided by club volunteers.

Solo class Thames Valley Series at Island Barn - photo © Kirsten Marley

In the first race, Ian Matthews from Spinnaker Sailing Club claimed victory, with Simon Denham from Littleton Sailing Club in second, and Dave Bull from Upper Thames Sailing Club in third. The second race brought a change at the top, with Frazer Hayden from Papercourt Sailing Club taking the win, Simon again in second, and Andrew Boyce, also from Papercourt, finishing third.

After lunch, two more races followed in the afternoon. Ian Matthews secured another win in the third race, with Dave Bull close behind in second, and Tim Lewis from the RYA finishing third. The final race of the day went to Simon Denham, rounding off a consistent series of results for him. Ian finished second, with Dave once again in third place.

Solo class Thames Valley Series at Island Barn - photo © Kirsten Marley

At the end of the day's racing, Ian Matthews emerged as the overall winner, narrowly beating Simon Denham by just one point. Dave Bull secured third place overall. Among the Island Barn sailors, Mike Jones was the best finisher, representing his home club well against tough competition.

The day concluded with a traditional cream tea during the prize-giving ceremony, capping off a successful and enjoyable day of racing at Island Barn. Congratulations to all the sailors and a special thanks to the volunteers who made the event a great success.

More photos are available from islandbarn.org.uk/soloopen2024

Solo class Thames Valley Series at Island Barn - photo © Kirsten Marley

Overall Results: