Despite the nearby named storm, the prospects looked promising for the final SORC race of the season on Saturday 25 October. Boats made their way to the start line in the Solent off Gurnard on a cold but sunny morning and a moderate breeze which was due to increase, but not too much.
Both the solo and double handed fleets had clean starts and, as they headed towards the Nab Tower, spinnakers soon popped out on this true downwind leg. The wind steadily increased during the morning to provide the challenge of successfully dropping kites while short-handed before rounding the mark.
The wind direction held steady for the true beat back to the finish at Snowden but it seemed that wind speed had not been given the forecast as rain and gusts over 30 knots began to appear. With wind over tide, the central eastern Solent became quite a lively place. After a long beat, now bruised and tired, the crews were relieved to pass the finish line.
The winner of Class 1 Solo was Steve Thomas on the C&C 115 Azora. Don Forster's First 31.7 Memory Maker won both Class 2 Solo and Solo overall. As well as gaining line honours, Peter and Duncan Bacon on the JPK 1030 In Code were the winners of Double Handed Class 4.
The full results including final series points are on the SORC website, as is a preview of the 2026 programme, open to both solo and double handed boats.
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