Editorial Will Loy

It has been a bitter sweet start to 2023, first losing Robin Webb, a Solo sailor of some skill and more importantly, a strong influence on many of the younger sailors who are now in their/our 50-60s. His chandlery business (in Walsall I think) was the focus point where you could get all the kit and advice on how to use it.

As an ex Finn sailor, Robin was always on the pace and very much a father figure to the young guns of the fleet in the 80s-90s. RIP. I hope to produce a fitting tribute to Robin in a future mag so please email me any of your memories. will_loy@hotmail.com

I have just returned from the funeral of Alec Stone, undoubtably one of the founding fathers of the Solo Class, builder of Championship winning Solos down in East Portlemouth and winner of multiple Championships himself. There was truly a sense of celebration for Alec’s life, clearly a colourful character down in Salcombe, his family are rightly proud of the man who is indeed a true Legend. Huge thanks to is grand daughter Jessica who provided us with such a bounty of newspaper clips and photos, giving us a glimpse of how good he was in his Solo.

Northampton was the venue for the re-arranged Noble marine Winters and the 29 competitors had a blast. Thank you to Maria and Kev for pulling all the stops out to ensure a successful event.

The RYA Dinghy Show was busier than last year though I am still sure a more London based venue would bring in more interest from north of the country. The Southern Demo Solo was poked, stroked and I am sure a few kissed it, guessing orders at Winder will increase so get yours in quickly.

I understand the Dutch are purchasing 10 at a time so they will be suited and booted for the Nation’s Cup Medemblik 12-14 May. We have around 40 UK entries so it could be a real bun fight. Get booked up now, NEVER too late.

The fleet have just contested the Tyler Trophy at HISC, venue for the Selden Nationals, local Richard Lovering pipping young Davenport in some classic Hayling waves. We have 60 entries so far, 100+ is always our target so get your entry in now.

The open meeting circuit is now underway with new builds featuring prominently.

Well done to Mike Dray who won the Chessboard Trophy at Broadwater in 6017 ‘Splash of Lime’. Jamie Morgan and Oliver Davenport were sailing 6064 and 6061 at Northampton, so it is clear you need a 6k boat to get you to the front!

Chris Brown continues to provide those members on Facebook instant news items, results and photos, and with support for the Demo Solos and Area events, was duly thanked by President Patrick Burns at the Dinghy Show. I understand Patrick will be buying the ice creams in Medemblik as a proper thank you.

Good sailing and see you on the water.