Allen Solo class National Championship and Nation's Cup 2024 at Brightlingsea Sailing Club - Day 3
by Will Loy 25 Aug 22:15 NZST
22-25 August 2024
Steve Roberts in Carnage on day 3 of the Allen 2024 Solo Nationals at Brightlingsea © Will Loy
The mood in the clubhouse had been very relaxed, other than a few crazy fools who, despite the driving rain, were already wheeling their Solos on to the beach. The majority were either sipping coffee or waiting patiently in a queue for the 'Barista' to weave his magic. I would suggest coughing out on a second machine, though I realise the process for a perfect latte is one that should never be rushed.
I settled down to enjoy my creamy beverage, the Maltesers I also purchased would balance the bitterness of the Colombian bean perfectly. The chat around the masses was that the rain would continue until 2pm, the breeze, which was currently fickle and from the South would increase slightly and track right, giving me plenty of time to complete my correspondence. The PRO though had other ideas, lowering the AP and releasing the fleet onto the water. Fortunately I was already in my Aqua Marine offshore attire, the easy access and fastenings are right up my street, though I still have trouble tightening the ankle velcro.
The slick management by the shore team had the competitors on the water in good time, though the long beat out to the race area was arduous, footage from the deck cams I had placed and activated would provide absolutely no entertainment for the viewers tonight.
I was once again on-board the Jury rib, owner Steve Kirby my driver, skilfully steering us out into the bay while NSCA Judge Steve Watson cowered under his bright yellow hood, no doubt plotting the downfall of some poor bugger who had dissed him. The flag and whistle had been dormant so far, clearly the fleet have not been pushing the envelope with Rule 42 offences but then again you don't speed when there is a copper behind you either.
Race 4
The breeze was holding at 6-8 knots and with the triangle/sausage course configured, we were into Race 4 with a clean start, the adverse tide holding the fleet back from the line. Port bias so surprising to see a fair proportion on the right and mainly locals which is always a worry.
Top mark and Simon Derham leads in from Charlie Brecknell, Elaine Turner, Alex Butler, Michael Hicks, Jonny Coate, local sailor Andy Bines and Dave Winder are in the top ten. The tide was ripping through like a bad curry, anyone trying to shoot the top mark or even the spreader immediately sliding sideways. I think I saw Dave tack about four times before he cleared it. Chris Brown remonstrated that the marks were moving but with a depth of no more than twenty feet, there was plenty of anchor warp.
Butler moved into the lead, the HISC sailor very accomplished in these conditions and I had remarked to my crew members before the start that he had a good chance... along with about thirty others.
The two lap race was not one to write about if entertainment is your game so finishing order, Butler, Derham, Brecknell, Hicks and Coate. More interestingly, and that is to take nothing away from the top fives accomplishment, Pim van Vugt was 7th, Cumbley was 20th and Davenport was 23rd, You can guess which way they went up the first beat.
Race 5
It was pretty bleak still, the rain doing it's best to destroy any electrical device, fortunately the Maltesers come in waterproof bags so, waiting for the right moment I popped one in my mouth, trying to crunch through the tasty honeycomb centre without being detected. Watson's head turned slightly, like a sentry sensing a rustle outside the castle, before resuming his conversation with our driver/pilot. Kirby does like to put the throttle down so the flying analogy is probably more appropriate though I have some other names I used inside my head.
Alex, his son, is racing here and hove-to, seeking painkillers for a troublesome back. Asking me is like asking Boots so I quickly prescribed the correct brand and dosage before we went into sequence.
The breeze had increased to 12-14 knots, the sea state like a seasoned Solo sailors chins was lumpy and with an all clear start, the fleet headed upwind.
Pim van Vugt was first around this time, the talented athlete providing a visual masterclass in physicality and finesse while Davenport and Cumbley, showing some backbone after their race 4 abominations rounding second and third. Oliver Turner and Barnham were next and they all set off on a pulsating, rip roaring reach to the gybe mark.
Davenport and Vugt exchanged blows and places for the next three laps with Cumbley consolidating third. Davis and Barnham were slogging it out together in their identically coloured, 70's Enterprise inspired, baby blue decked Winders. Further down the fleet Steve Roberts and Mike Dray were in a similar contest though the matching hull colours are way bolder.
This is how race 5 finished, Gillard moving through the fleet with some awesome wave technique took 6th with Corby from corby and Turner.
Race 6
Blimey, you want drama! The first start was recalled, the fleet punchy and rightly so as the waves had suddenly woken from their rest time and, like that Gladiator challenge, were doing their utmost to stop any Solo from advancing to the top mark. The second start under a black flag saw Cumbley power down from the committee end with 30 seconds to go before shooting into a big pocket of space at the gun with lots of speed. I would have suggested textbook but the PRO said BFD and that would probably end his campaign. Potts, Ede and Honnor were also casualties and this had set up a duel between Vugt and Davenport.
No surprise then that these two led the fleet around the 3 lap race with Vugt completing a nice brace of bullets to counter the Davenport 2-2. The reaches were full-on, white knuckle, lip-bitingly fast, the gybe mark, malicious and vindictive, not discriminating between age or beauty, thanks to the safety teams for saving lives at sea.
At the gun and with the fleet returning home for Sausage Casserole and Apple Crumble it was Vugt, Davenport, Barnham, Davis and Gillard, who, after a tardy day 2, was back in the hunt for a podium finish.
Our driver floored the throttle and we headed home, gripping on for dear life as he pounded the 6 metre ribeye through the very centre of each and every wall of water he could find, his vision, impaired by the spray that covered his +3 lenses, his manic grin implying that it was fun.
Overnight Davenport holds a healthy lead over his adversaries but with three more races planned, anything is possible. Day 4 has dawned sunny with a promise of 10-15 knots, the tide may play a significant role as to who will become Allen Solo National and Nation's Cup Champion.
Day 3 evening entertainment included a bumper Prize Draw, huge thanks to KLG, HD Sail, Allen, our title sponsor, Noble Marine, our Class Insurer, Milanes Foils and North Sails, your donations were very welcome and your support of the class, pivotal in providing sailors with choice, fundamental in the Solo success.
The highlight for me was to see Matthew Frary, who had already won a prize this week, re-gift the Milanes rudder to a competitor who today broke his own one. These friendships that are formed are what make any association strong and may it continue.