The 2026 Solo Midland Area Championship at Rutland Sailing Club delivered two closely fought races and some excellent sailing, despite Storm Austen threatening to disrupt the event.
Originally scheduled as a two-day championship, the event was rearranged into a single day in response to the forecast. The conditions understandably deterred some potential competitors travelling from Scotland and the south, but the fleet that assembled still provided a high standard of competition.
With two races completed in strengthening winds, Oliver Davenport emerged as the clear winner, taking first place in both races to claim the Midland Area Championship title.
The first race was sailed in a building Force 3. Davenport made a decisive start at the pin end, tacked clear of the fleet and quickly established a lead. Behind him, the racing was much closer, with places constantly changing as competitors battled for positions from second through to eighth. It was a tight, competitive race that kept the fleet on its toes.
By the second race, the breeze had increased to a Force 4, with gusts reaching Force 5 at the top end. Davenport changed his approach, starting at the committee-boat end before tacking away. Two boats headed left, and the fleet arrived at the windward mark closely packed. With little between the leading boats, the downwind legs proved crucial, as competitors searched for the best pressure and worked hard to gain every possible advantage.
As the wind continued to build, the race team made the decision to send the fleet ashore before a third race could be started. Although the breeze subsequently eased, the decision reflected the challenging conditions and changing forecast. With two races completed, the championship results were settled.
Davenport's two race wins gave him a perfect score of two points, with Jasper Barnham taking second overall on seven points. Jamie Cuxson also finished on seven points, securing third place on countback after a second and a fifth. Andrew Wilde finished fourth, with Michael Sims completing the top five.
A huge thank you goes to Rutland Sailing Club and the race team for putting on a great event in challenging weather conditions. Thanks also to the championship sponsors, CB Dinghy Chandlery and Allen Sailing, for their continued support.
The Solo fleet's End of Season Championship takes place at Draycote Water Sailing Club on Saturday, 14 November. Entries are now open, with links available through both the Draycote Water Sailing Club website and the Solo Class Association website.
With one of the final major events of the year approaching, the championship offers another great opportunity for the Solo fleet to get together for a competitive day of sailing and finish the season in style.
Championship sponsors: CB Dinghy Chandlery, Allen Sailing, National Solo Class Association.
Overall Results:
Pos Helm Boat Name Sail No R1 R2 Pts
1 Oliver Davenport 1 1 1 2
2 Jasper Barnham Mrs Jones 5887 5 2 7
3 Jamie Cuxson 5704 2 5 7
4 Andrew Wilde Solo 6125 6 3 9
5 Michael Sims 6128 3 7 10
6 Harry Lucas S5746 5746 7 4 11
7 Vincent Horey Peppermint Patty 6134 4 8 12
8 Chris Brown cb dinghy chanderly 6148 6141 8 6 14
9 Camron Griffin Norris 4448 10 9 19
10 Chris Bunn 6138 9 11 20
11 Ian Norris X‑Why 4434 11 10 21
12 Andy Beston Solo 5533 12 12 24
13 Maria Franco 6013 6013 13 13 26
14 Thomas Gillard ‑ 6141 DNC DNC 32
14 Stephen Dickinson Rocket 5721 DNC DNC 32
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