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Gill Solo Class Inland Championship at Grafham Water Sailing Club – Preview
7-8 September 2024
The anticipation builds as the Gill Solo Inlands approach next week. Set for a two-day championship on picturesque flat waters, sailors across the UK will be engaging in conversations similar to those I had with my wife: “It’s the Gill Solo Inlands next week!” Just a week after the successful Allen National Championship, which concluded with Dutchman Pim van Vugt’s victory, many are preparing for this exciting event.
This year, the UK Solo fleet faces a busy end to the season, with several important events on the calendar—such as the Nigel Pusinelli Trophy, Welsh Championship, and End of Season Championship—on the horizon. As the schedule tightens, more discussions at home will be inevitable.
On the positive side, participating in a major event is excellent preparation for future competitions. Following the recent challenges of the sea championships, Grafham Water, known for its flat water and strong local fleet, should provide a welcome change. Local club members have no excuses not to take part on Saturday, September 7th, and a class dinner featuring several culinary options has been arranged. Good food is always a consideration when covering an event, and it’ll be interesting to see if the catering can match the standards set by notable venues like Raj Massala in Brightlingsea. A tip for the catering team: keep the beer flowing!
While the entry list is currently sparse, the quality remains high. If Tom Gillard enters, he could be a significant threat, having won the last two Inland Championships. Other competitors to watch include Mike Barnes, sailing his vintage Beckett, and the rising talent of Maria E Franco, who could become the first female winner if her momentum continues. While Chris Bunn, Nigel Davies, and Steve Ede may also prove competitive, I’ve got my eye on Tony Thresher as a potential dark horse.
Tony Thresher, a builder known for crafting visually unique hulls and utilizing innovative construction techniques, is making a comeback in major events. His first Solo, built in the early ’80s, arrived during a transformative period in Solo construction. The craftsmanship of his early works often prioritized budget-friendly models and distinctive aesthetics.
Over the decades, when Tony refined a design, the results could be impressively fast. In today’s world of production hulls, where designs are nearly identical, subtle differences in shape from earlier days often led to noticeable speed variations on the water. Historical references like Geoffrey Carveth and Simon Cray illustrate how these differences were evident to the trained eye of the enthusiastic sailor.
Many might not know of Malcolm Gandy, who raced one of the fastest Threshers on the East Coast. His boat’s speed remains a mystery, perhaps due to fortuitous circumstances rather than precise engineering. Similarly, Jon Clarke’s experience with a Thresher that spectacularly capsized proves that even the most beautiful designs can encounter pitfalls on the water.
Tony’s designs represent a crucial evolution in Solo construction, pushing the limits further with inventive ideas like the female mold and integrated epoxy fillets. The meticulous standards for hull shapes have allowed builders room for experimentation while ensuring compliance with specifications. Past builders like Richard Lovett produced remarkable hulls with strict tolerances, enabling a diverse spectrum of designs.
Though Tony’s development of an FRP shell was one route to modernization, market trends began to lean heavily toward Winder and Speed builds in the early 2000s. Despite this shift, his dedication to quality craftsmanship and unique designs significantly contributed to the evolution of contemporary Solo racing.
As he prepares to race his classic white whale Solo at Grafham, immense respect is due to Tony Thresher for his ingenious designs and unyielding dedication to sailing craftsmanship. Grafham Water offers an exhilarating landscape for racing, with its circular shape allowing for thrilling competition and dynamic photography opportunities.
We will keep friends and family updated throughout the weekend event via WhatsApp, ensuring everyone stays informed about their loved ones’ progress. While the commentary won’t rival that of the America’s Cup, expect a mix of passion, drama, and sharp wit as we share the highlights of the race.
To register for the event, be sure to enter at www.grafham.org/open-meetings-entry.html.
There’s a rich history behind the Solo builds mentioned that you can discover in the Concours video.
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Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.
