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 24 registered boats in the club of which 14 race, typically 6 or 8 on the start line.

The Solos have a full racing programme throughout the year, an Open meeting in April each year and a new internal handicap competition within the class. This ensures last can be first in a separate competition parallel with the traditional series

This year’s Open meeting, the second in the 2008 Southern series, attracted 31 competitors, was held on the 20th April. This event was preceded on the 19th by a training day with RYA Solo coaches. The trophy was won by Will Loy of Reading SC. Gil Cumming was the best Bewl boat and the first Grand master.

The March open series, for the Solo silver salver, was won by John Read of Bough Beech SC. 8 competitors took part in mainly cold and blustery conditions.

The extra open meeting held on 25th October 2008 was supported by 10 club members and 8 visitors, the weather was mixed varying from light to strong winds giving a full range of challenges to the competitors. Once again the trophy was won by Will Loy of Littleton S.C , with Derek Jackman 2nd and Geoffrey Clarke 3rd. Dave Knight was 1st Bewl boat, (he has done this before!). The meet was voted a great success and will be repeated next year, more visitors and more club boats. It fills a gap in the open programme for the south. The Bewl venue is becoming very popular with visiting sailors, living up to the title of “ the souths inland sea”. First class race management and a friendly reception.

During 2007/8 the class has welcomed 5 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 2007 there were 6 different winners, 16 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.