2012 Mike Ball starts his fourth and final year as Class President and would relinquish his position to Roger Gravatt at the AGM at Mounts Bay in August, his legacy including the NSCA introduction of free coaching would continue to ensure that the Solo remained one of the strongest classes in the UK. Jim Hunt and Andy Davis launch their HD Sails loft, a formidable combination with multiple titles under their belts. John Poulson started to develop his JP FRP hull which would eventually be marketed by P+B. North Sails have launched their 3DL mainsail, 30% more expensive but the built-in shape promised more speed (in the right hands). Sims starts the season where he left off, claiming the Noble marine Winters in the Winder/P+B combo with Davis and Pinnell completing the top three. Sims also won the Nation’s Cup in Medemblik and the Inlands at Rutland (85 entries) quite some season. Steve Parker, who had spent 18 years at Speed Sails now produced composite hulls utilising the Butler mould (I believe this was based on the Lovett shape). Boon market their new alloy rudder stock, later, Milanes would also develop one and it would be manufactured by Seasure. Winder offered the Winder 2 hull (ex Speed) as an option, more rocker suiting the heavier sailor and this would prove very popular. Speedsails new hull is built by Rondar Boats. Membership stood at 990, a slight drop from the previous year despite 124 new members. Boonboats tweak their mould to incorporate a small bailer at the rear of the centreboard case. Winder re-profile their case capping on the Mk 2 and HD Sails radial cut Technora sail proves very successful. Andy Davis wins the National title at Mounts Bay (with the HD Technora), a fabulous venue and of the four female competitors, Vanda Jowett takes the ladies title back to Littleton for an unprecedented thirteenth time. For those that do not know, her brother is Geoff Carveth so you could argue that she is more talented. Membership Secretary/Treasurer Mike Evans reported that there were 38 registered members at HISC, 34 at Salcombe and 33 at Papercourt. 9 out of 10 sailors use the Selden D+ at the Nationals, lightweight Gillard in 4th opting to use the Superspar M7. Will Loy was awarded honorary status for his media work, he had started using video cameras to promote the class though his on- water results suffered irreversibly. Subscription increased to £22, still great value and the strength of the class is what re-enforces new and second hand sales.
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