Solo Northern Traveller Series - sponsored by Winder Boats
Nine visitors and three home boats attended the HLSC Solo Open Meeting. Maybe it was the half term break or the weather forecast that had a part to play in the low turn out. The forecast on the day before was giving 5-7mph for the open but on arrival we were greeted with a decent amount of wind from the north, which we were told was a good direction for HLSC.
Steve Smith OOD set a line which tempted competition to both ends, no recalls needed, the fleet set off to the windward mark and it soon became apparent that the wind was going to be rather shifty and patchy especially at the windward side of the course. After a few legs Martin Honnor and Innes Armstrong gained a fair lead and a battle royale commenced. The two held their lead until the second to last leg when the wind filled from behind allowing Stephen Graham and Andy Carter to catch up. On the downwind leg, with the four jostling for position at the leeward mark, Stephen Graham managed to sneak under Martin Honnor to take the win, Innes 3rd and Andy 4th.
After lunch, two back-to-back races were held. Race 2 was won by Martin Brenan followed by Martin Honnor. Half way through the second race the wind died altogether and boats from behind picked out little zephyrs to all bunch together at the finish. The OOD saying it was difficult to read the sail numbers as everyone was crossing the line together. Innes finishing in 7th and Stephen finished in 9th.
So to race 3, all to play for... Martin H, Innes, Stephen G & Martin B all in with a chance of glory. The wind decided to play ball and resulted in the best sail of the day. Again, like the first race it was a tussle between Innes and Martin H all the way round the course with Martin covering Innes' every move. This allowed Mike Smith to gain ground on both helms. In the end Martin H took line honours followed closely by Innes then Mike in third.
At the prize giving Martin Honnor thanked HLSC and all involved in putting on an excellent, well run event, and invited everyone to the next open on June 11th at Ogston SC, Martin's home club, an event which he is yet to win!
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