Solos

THE SOLO CLASS AT BEWL

The Solo dinghy has long been established as an adopted class at Bewl Valley. The boat is a single hander of traditional ‘one design’, originating from the 1950s and designed by Jack Holt. The hull is hard chine, in wood or composite fibre and with a low aspect ratio sail plan, relatively stable and yet exciting to sail. The class at Bewl compliments the more modern and demanding single handed ‘Laser’ by being for the ‘mature sailor’ who wants great competition without the physical demands of a ‘Laser’.

The class has 34 registered boats of which 28 race, typically 10 to 15 on the start line on a Sunday morning and afternoon.

The Solos have a full racing programme throughout the year, an Open meeting in April each year and an autumn Open meeting in October, both events in 2010 held on a Saturday viz. 24/04/10 and 23/10/10. In addition the Club welcomes visitors to enter the March Open series for solos held over four Sundays.

This year’s Open meeting was held on the 24th April and attracted 31 entries (16 visitors). The wind was a gentle 2 to 3 with a warm sun, a perfect spring day which gave all competitors a full days sailing.

The event was won by Vanda Jowett (Littleton SC), who won all 3 races but in her last race she was OCS but with this as her discard was a convincing winner.

Martin Allen was the best of the Bewl boats scoring an excellent 5th place and a 16th to finish 12th overall.

The March open series, for the silver salver, was won by Les Aldous (BVSC) in a mixture of conditions.

The Southern Quaich this year attracted 31 entrants, including 18 visitors. In contrast to last year the wind was light and 'shifty'. The racing was close with Godfrey Clark(Fishers Green SC) taking first place from Stephen Penfold(South Cesney SC) and Richard Willetts(Burghfield SC). The first Bewl boat was Martin Allen. The increasing popularity of our Opens, reflects the high standards we are getting in organisation and running of these events, added to the wide open space we offer to sea and inland sailors.

During 2009/10 the class has welcomed 7 new members, reflecting the enthusiasm and pleasure of racing Solo at Bewl.

11 events are held in the region each year. Of the 10 club trophies in 2009 there were 6 different winners, 28 members sailed in the racing series.

For more details about the Solo and sailing at Bewl contact the fleet captain Don Buckle on 01580 753368 ( buckle826@btinternet.com)

The Club Office is open 7 days a week and can take your calls between 0900 and 1600. Please ring 01892 890930 if you want more information.