Solo Centenary Open Meeting at Dell Quay Sailing Club

Alex Butler leads up the beat - Solo Centenary Open Meeting at Dell Quay © John Rogerson

The clouds cleared and the sun shone for Dell Quay's breezy Centenary National Solo Open on 28 June 2025. As the 25 boat fleet crossed the start line a curious seal took in the stunning sight from the windward mark. This was marvellous champagne sailing to mark the Club's centenary year. A stiff south-westerly breeze developed to give the fleet a testing beat up the harbour and exciting downwind legs.

The wind gently built as Harvey Hillary (Dell Quay Sailing Club) and Alex Butler (Hayling Island Sailing Club) jockeyed for first place during the opening Windward Leeward race. By the end of the three laps Harvey crossed the line first with Nigel Bird second and Chris Brown from Draycote SC third. Alex Butler came in 5th but was to take his revenge by winning both the second and third races.

The stiffening wind during the second race saw the first of a number of capsizes across the fleet as they fought tooth and nail for every place. The tide turned and started ebbing hard changing the best position on the course to make maximum use of the current, even catching out some of the local Dell Quay sailors, leading to Chris Brown coming in second and Simon Derham of Litteton Sailing Club taking third.

Top women helms Maria Franco Ferro and Nikki Buchanan - Solo Centenary Open Meeting at Dell Quay - photo © John Rogerson

By the start of the third race the wind had picked up to about 14 knots. After well over two hours on the water a few competitors bowed out with their dignity intact. The race developed into a close quarter battle with every place in the fleet hotly contested. Capsizes increased as the wind picked up and competitors tired. After 3 hours, a hard core of 18 boats remained to the finish.

Alex Butler won overall with Harvey Hilary just pipping Simon Derham and Chris Brown to second place. Maria Franco Ferro (who, all credit to her, had made the journey to Chichester Harbour straight from the Nations Cup in Lake Como) was the best placed female helm and Simon Derham took the prize the Masters prize. Grandmaster winner was Nigel Bird. Septimus winner was Mike Barnes. Nikki Buchanan was top placed Dell Quay female helm.

Over 12 clubs were represented with the furthest afield being Salcombe Sailing Club, South Devon.

Dell Quay's 20 strong Solo fleet enjoys competitive sailing and socialising throughout the year.

Solo Southern Area Series results can be seen gradually building up at www.sailwave.com/results/solo/Southern-results-2025.htm

Solo Centenary Open Meeting at Dell Quay - photo © John Rogerson

Overall Results:

Solo Centenary Open Meeting at Dell Quay - photo © John Rogerson