PSC Solo Open Meeting - Sunday 14 June 2009
Papercourt Solo Open Meeting sponsored by Guildford Marine
Solo National President, Mike Ball, wins at home Club narrowly beating Papercourt Club Commodore Andrew Boyce
Mike Ball (right) receiving his trophy from Andrew Boyce (left) Papercourt SC Commodore and Frank Brown, Papercourt Solo Class Captain
Those travellers perhaps dissuaded from attending by weather forecasts showing light winds, did themselves a disservice. A fleet of 26 boats, tempted no doubt by the £10 entry fee which included bacon rolls, full lunch, as much tea, coffee and soft drinks as you could consume not to mention the famous Papercourt afternoon tea, enjoyed tight racing with four races in challenging conditions which produced four different race winners.
Race Officer Nigel Bird set a figure of eight course, which enabled best use of the water and ensured a beat "at some time" on the way round.
The first race was won by Andrew Boyce, PSC Commodore who, borrowing a Solo for the day, took an early lead and was not to be caught. 2nd was Mike Ball and 3rd was Daniel Francis, PSC Laser Class Captain, also borrowing a boat for the day. In 4th place was Keith Carter from Littleton.
Race two was taken by Mike Murphy, who midway through the race went into a commanding lead and could not be challenged, Mike Ball was 2nd again, with Steve Jones from Littleton 3rd and Daniel Francis 4th.
After an excellent lunch, race three got under way from the far end of the lake, with Steve Jones taking the bullet, followed by that man Andrew Boyce again. Roger Puttock worked his way through the fleet to take 3rd and Mike Ball was 4th.
With a number of players able to win, the Open was all on the last race. The race lead was enjoyed by a number of helms at one stage or another, but Mike Ball, after a poor start right at the back, worked his way through the fleet to establish a clear lead with half a lap to go and took line honours.
Final results on Countback
1st Mike Ball (Papercourt)
2nd Andrew Boyce (Papercourt)
3rd Steve Jones (Littleton )
4th Daniel Francis (Papercourt)
5th Roger Puttock (Papercourt)
6th Mike Murphy (Papercourt)
7th Keith Carter (Littleton)
Mike Ball is only the second person to win the Papercourt Solo Open trophy twice since its inception.
Our thanks to Guildford Marine http://www.guildfordmarine.co.uk/ for sponsoring the event with some very generous prizes, and everybody at Papercourt who helped to run such a successful and enjoyable day.
