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Allen Solo Class National Championship and Nation’s Cup 2024 at Brightlingsea Sailing Club – Overall

22-25 August 2024

My exit from the Brewers Arms B&B was frantic; onlookers may have thought I was running away, which wasn’t unusual for me. The popular rock band venue’s car park had been full the previous evening, forcing me to park a good 100 yards away. In an effort to reduce my daily step count, I felt like an over-laden Sherpa as I returned. This was the final day of racing, and the atmosphere was filled with tension and heightened anticipation.

The sun had returned, and the forecast indicated a pleasant F3-4 from the west, though it would later rise to F5.

Breakfast mirrored my chaotic accommodation transfer, and I quickly relocated to the generously long Ribeye. The catering team was perhaps grateful to see me go, especially given the stench emanating from my damp, worn shoes. Fortunately, my unnatural foot odor was masked by the discarded fish guts near my Jury/Media team as we set off for the race arena.

After my Nikon P950 broke a few days earlier, competitor Doug Homer kindly lent me his cherished camera, although I was already concerned about potentially damaging that one too. Steve Watson fumbled with flags and whistles while an older gentleman stood still, soaking in the unfolding view. Just as I was about to humorously suggest he set out on a fishing trip, he pulled out his camera. Nick Champion, a professional photographer of over forty years and my personal hero, was on board, not for fishing but to capture the events of the day. I informed Sir Nick that I would defer the photographic responsibilities to him and focus my efforts on the Nationals WhatsApp group. Meanwhile, my backup Nikon would soon be safe in the hands of its original owner.

Conditions on this day were perfect, a stark contrast to Day 3. The only blemish was the color of the water, while Nick fiddled with his camera settings beneath a simple clear plastic bag, an old-school trick that has kept his equipment safe from salt water for decades.

The wind blew from around 235 degrees at 12-14 knots, creating a welcoming atmosphere that stirred up fond memories of past race days. Shards of sunlight glinted like diamonds on the water’s surface, creating a stunning backdrop as Nick clicked away, a faint smile escaping his lips while I kept our followers updated via text. My messages, though somewhat chaotic, aimed to bring those unable to attend the races into that exhilarating moment.

PRO Sarah Conlon stood resolute aboard the Committee boat, analyzing wind patterns and other directional data.

Race 7

The Ribeye had a depth finder, and Steve Corby informed me we were floating just twelve feet above the seabed. I noted that this tint could be due to local power station cooling systems. Davenport looked resplendent in his bright yellow leader vest, while Dutchman Pim van Vugt, fresh off two wins on Day 3, radiated confidence.

The initial start was recalled, with the entire fleet racing through the start line together, fueled by enthusiasm and the tide. Cumbley circled around the Committee boat, keen to position himself well.

In the re-start, excitement bubbled over, with my position down the right side of the line perfectly set for my verbal commentary. However, Nick was less pleased, frustrated that we were positioned behind the money shot. Davenport and Vugt were focused on each other while Cumbley and Davis honed their techniques as the fleet battled increasing chop.

As we powered up to the top mark, my texting became increasingly challenging to decipher. Charlie Cumbley emerged from the pack alongside Fergus Barnham and Alex Corby, giving our Ribeye team a sense of pride.

Chris Aston, who would later be awarded BFD, Davenport, Vugt, Paul Davis, Bakker, and Taxi closely followed as they set off down the reach. Cumbley, Barnham, Vugt, and Davenport rounded the leeward mark and headed upwind, already far ahead of the back markers.

At the second top mark, Vugt took a hitch to the left, rounding ahead of Cumbley, while Davenport, Barnham, and Corby clung to their coattails, with Gillard and Davis trailing behind.

Meanwhile, on our rib, Steve Watson scanned the field like a Terminator assessing its targets, while Nick snapped away, trying to capture the spectacle unfolding. I remained hopeful he had inserted a memory card!

As the race continued, positions remained stable, with the top three maintaining a precise gap between one another as they approached the final leg. The reach was thrilling, with few competitors falling victim to the elements. On the other hand, Spurs fan Vince Horey lived up to his reputation, holding a position just to falter. Pim continued his Championship streak with a third bullet in a row, as all was still up for grabs.

We took a moment to rejuvenate, replace carbohydrates, and wipe our sunglasses before resuming our position. This time, to Nick’s relief, we would be at the pin end.

Race 8

With the fleet lined up for the finale, Nick continued to focus his lens on the competitors. A notable number of black flag casualties appeared, including Corby and the unlucky Paul Davis. Vugt led with Cumbley close behind this time. Both competitors pushed their Solo hulls to their limits as they rounded the first marks, an impressive sight.

Turning to the top mark, the left side paid off, with Oliver Turner rounding ahead, followed closely by local sailor Paul Birch. Turner’s master plan appeared effective as he tackled the pack with strategic moves.

Some drama unfolded as sailors headed towards a safety rib, where a crew member raised the board of shame. Paul Davis and Martin Honnor both faced BFD.

The first lap remained tricky, and unfortunately, Matthew Frary fell victim to Mother Nature’s unpredictability. Upturned hulls dotted the surface as Vugt led, with Turner and an aggressive Cumbley close on his heels.

Despite competing ferociously to the end, Vugt secured his fourth consecutive win, edging out Cumbley by mere feet. Menno Huisman slipped past Davenport for third, an outcome that proved crucial later when final standings were determined.

With Race 9 on the horizon, there was still much to resolve. With two discards in play, the points would reveal a fresh perspective for Vugt, who had already claimed four bullets.

Race 9

As we followed the fleet for the Championship finale, Nick continued to capture every moment, frustration mounting with each miscalculated shot. The battle saw several black flags raised, pulling competitors from the fray, including Corby. Vugt maintained the lead with Cumbley close in pursuit, as conditions became challenging with waves and wind.

Cumbley briefly took the lead but Vugt regained it with smart tactical decisions, making use of the lake’s nuances. Davenport maintained a solid third position while calculations for overall standings loomed large.

As they approached the finish, positions jostled. Cumbley found the inside line, claiming the victory, with Davenport comfortably taking third, followed by Barnham, Davis, and Gillard.

After intense calculations, Pim van Vugt emerged victorious, winning the Allen 2024 Solo National Championship and Nation’s Cup with a remarkable final score of 1-1-1-1-2, while Davenport took second place thanks to count-back, finishing with 3-4-3. Cumbley rounded out the podium with a notable final day effort of 2-2-1.

Following deliberation, the NSCA Committee awarded both titles to Pim, aligning with a longstanding tradition of acknowledging international competitors within the class.

Brightlingsea Sailing Club deserves recognition for their outstanding hospitality, race management, and launch and recovery organization throughout the Championship.

Thanks to our generous sponsors: Allen, HD Sails, CFbyLandL, Shock Sailing, P&B, Milanes Foils, Noble Marine, KLG, North Sails, Impact Marine, Musto, CB Coverstore, and Lifejacket Skin Care.

A special thank you to Steve Corby, our Jury/Media Rib Driver/Owner, Steve Watson, our Judge, and celebrated guest star Nick Champion.

Next on the calendar is the Solo Inland Championship, set to take place in just under two weeks at Grafham Water. If you’re intrigued by the international aspect of the Solo Class, the Dutch Championship (ONK) will occur from September 19-22 at the IJsellmeer in Muiden.

We hope to see you on the water soon. Keep an eye on the WhatsApp group for almost live media updates!

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