Presidents Report

Patrick Burns

After a false start the North Sails Super Series kicked off at Northampton and then we're onto the Magic Marine /Juggernaut Welsh Championship at Tata Steel, Port Talbot before descending on Brightlingsea for a double header of Springs/Eastern Championships, both sponsored by Superspars. This venue provides some great practice for the Selden National Championship and will the club will host the big one in 2024, so go and check it out.

Thanks to all who helped man the Solo stand at the recent RYA Dinghy Show, resplendent with our new Southern demo boat and Sponsors banners a mass.

It was a resounding success, I spoke to at least 4 Solo sailors who had ordered new boats and the interest in the Class was fab, next year a bigger stand!

It was sad to hear of the passing of Alec Stone and a fitting article is penned in this issue. As tribute to the great man we have decided to re-name the Portlemouth Trophy which is raced for during our National Championship and will introduce a new shiny one, ‘The Alec Stone Memorial Cup’. We will of course, include the Portlemouth winners already engraved on the original, maintaining the rich history of the Class is paramount.

Preparations for the Natons Cup are well advanced with 40 UK entries so far, whoopee come on ye Dutch. Our Selden Nationals at Hayling are not far behind with Guy, Steve and Paul getting stuck in and Will polishing his lens!

It will be a bumper event with 60 entries so far including 8 from Holland and many additional daily Sponsors, thanks to Paul for providing lots o swag.

If you've not entered please do to allow Steve and the Club to be prepared on the water and onshore. I'll be campaigning the Taxi blue Winder boat 5967 armed with Selden spars so don't be shy come say hello and I might even buy you a pint or an ice cream for Brownie!

I know this Solospecific is jammed full of great articles showing what a massive Class we are both at local and National level so dust down yer craft and go Solo sailing.

See you at the Superspars Springs if not before.