2005 Andy Davis represented the Solo class at the ‘Battle of the Classes’ Excel Centre. Winder and Poulson displayed their hulls at the RYA Dinghy Show and Claire Clark took over the role of Publicity from Liz barclay. Incidentally, Doug Hughes and Liz were awarded the best amateur website award at the London Boat Show and well deserved. Alistair Angus reported that the number of Solo owners in Scotland had increased from 19 to 65 in the last two years. Winder Boats relocated to Keighley, my guess is they required larger premises. Godfrey Clark reported that King George S.C. would be drained for maintenance, I wonder if they removed the WW2 bomb? There was some debate regarding the construction of FRP hulls, weight distribution and the use of foundry ash, all laid to rest after investigation by the Committee. Richard Lovett, builder of some of the most beautiful and fastest Solos past away. Richard started his career at Jack Holt’s Putney based yard but moved down to Topsham and began decking plastic hulls at the Retreat Boatyard before going on his own. He won the 1976 National Championship at Felpham. 81 competitors attended the Winter Championship won by Stuart Hydon, Harvey Hillary and Chris Brown completing the podium with Brenda Hoult an impressive fourth. The NSCA signed up to the RYA Racing Charter, the aim to embrace newcomers to the sport. The NSCA rules were re-worded, Nick Clibborn had put much effort into filling some voids in the original rules, penned in the late 50’s. 1071 members reflected the popularity of the class and vindication of the publicity machine’s efforts. Jamie Lea won the National Championship at North Berwick in a fleet of 79 sailors, Robbie Wilson best placed Scot in fifth. Winder took the top seven places with Davis 8th in the new Speed hull. Stuart Hydon also won the Inland Championship, 108 competitors, Richard Pye and Chris Brown completing the top three. Plywood foam sandwich was accepted as an alternative form of construction at the AGM as was the addition of two footstrap blocks aft of the centreboard case. It was now legal to locate and remove mast chocks while racing and water bottle carriers could now be fitted….legally. The alloy rudder stock and positioning over the transom was again defeated. Doug Hughes was elected as an Honorary Member in light of the value he had added to the popularity of the class via the website. West Riding sadly lost it’s Clubhouse in an arson attack.
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